Rosewater (SA)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with quarterly address updates verified by Districts since the Census, indicates that the population of the suburb of Rosewater is approximately 3,689 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 107 people (3.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,582 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,683, which Districts estimated using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level yields a density of 2,773 persons per square kilometer, positioning it in the top quartile of all Australian residential areas evaluated by Districts. Local population expansion was primarily driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 56% of all population growth during recent times, though other contributors, such as interstate migration and natural growth, also registered positive gains.

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The suburb of Rosewater has a skilled workforce with a strong presence in essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 6.7% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,965 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.8% higher than the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, while participation in the labor force matches the Greater Adelaide average of 66.6%. Census figures indicate that a low 7.0% of workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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Based on Districts' analysis of the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the 2023 financial year, the suburb of Rosewater recorded a median taxpayer income of $52,991, with the average income at $58,091. This is below the average national levels and compares to $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide, respectively. Factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be roughly $58,380 for the median and $63,999 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Rosewater between the 21st and 25th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that the largest segment consists of 31.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,147 residents), which mirrors patterns in the surrounding region where fall into this same range. Pressures on housing affordability are significant, with only of income remaining after housing costs, ranking in the th percentile.

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Residential dwelling types in the suburb of Rosewater, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 76.6% standalone houses and 23.5% other options (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Adelaide metropolitan average of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, home ownership rates in the suburb of Rosewater trailed the Adelaide metro average, standing at 25.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.7%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Adelaide metro average at $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $260, compared to Adelaide metro averages of $1,562 and $320. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Rosewater are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national average of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 62.8% of all households, consisting of 25.2% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.2%, with single-person households at 33.2% and group households representing 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Rosewater remains below regional standards, with 20.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights opportunities for educational advancement and vocational training. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (26.5%).

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Public transport research shows 15 active transit stops in the suburb of Rosewater, which consist of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, which combine to support 800 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 184 meters from the closest transport stop. Being a primarily residential area, the majority of residents travel outward for work, and private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel at 87%. Car ownership averages 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 7.0% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health statistics show significant challenges for the suburb of Rosewater, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with the prevalence of common conditions notable in both younger and older cohorts, while the level of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the total population (~1,844 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Rosewater displays greater cultural diversity than the vast majority of local areas, with 28.4% of its residents born overseas and 25.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 39.4% of the population in the suburb of Rosewater. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, which accounts for 5.0% of the population compared to 2.4% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age in the suburb of Rosewater is 39 years, matching the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and closely aligning with the Australian national median of 38. Relative to Greater Adelaide, the 35 - 44 age cohort is notably over-represented (15.4% locally), while the 75 - 84 cohort is under-represented (5.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 13.9% to 15.4% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 4.1% to 5.3%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group fell from 14.1% to 12.2%, and the 45 to group declined from to . Demographic projections suggest the age profile of the suburb of Rosewater will change significantly by with the to cohort expected to grow the most at , adding residents to reach while the to group is expected to grow more modestly by , adding only residents.

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Rosewater currently has an estimated 180 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 104 children aged 0-2 and 70 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 198 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 285. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).