Unley (SA)

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According to the analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address files validated by Districts since the Census, Unley has an estimated resident count of approximately 4,630 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 633 individuals (15.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,997 residents. The figure is derived from the resident population of 4,629, which Districts calculated using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 132 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 3,086 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of all Australian locations analyzed by Districts. The 15.8% expansion in Unley since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (5.4%) as well as the state overall, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population increases in the area were almost exclusively fueled by overseas migration, which served as the sole source of population gains in recent times.

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Unley features a highly qualified labor force, with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of only 1.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 8.2% over the previous year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 2,972 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 2.2% below the Greater Adelaide average of 3.8%. Furthermore, the participation rate is exceptionally high at 74.2%, compared to 66.6% across Greater Adelaide. Census records show that a moderate 16.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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According to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023, income levels in the suburb of Unley rank within the top percentile nationally. Taxpayers in the suburb of Unley have a median income of $67,378 and an average income of $106,299, compared to $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $74,230 for the median and $117,110 for the average. Census records indicate individual weekly earnings are in the 84th percentile nationwide at $1,066. In terms of earnings brackets, the largest segment comprises 27.3% of residents (1,263 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the regional average of . High earners are highly represented, with earning more than weekly, pointing to substantial spending power. Housing costs account for of income, while strong earnings place residents in the nd percentile for disposable income, and the area ranks in the th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Unley consisted of 52.4% separate houses and 47.6% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 75.2% separate houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metro area. Home ownership in Unley was high at 35.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (36.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was considerably higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, coming in at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was $372, compared to the Adelaide metro average of $320. Nationally, mortgage costs in Unley are notably above the Australian median of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are slightly below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 60.9%, consisting of 25.0% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 7.4% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 39.1%, with single-person households representing 32.8% and group households making up 6.1%. The median household size of 2.2 residents is below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Residents of Unley show exceptional levels of education compared to regional averages, with 53.0% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational profile positions the suburb well for opportunities in knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 32.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Vocational education accounts for 19.2% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, divided between advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 10.0%.

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Public transit analysis shows 19 active transport stops in Unley, including a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops support 19 distinct routes, providing 2,076 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents living an average of 194 meters from their nearest stop. As a primary residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area; private cars are the dominant mode of travel at 71%, while 10% of residents walk and 7% cycle. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per household, which is below the regional norm. Additionally, 16.0% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data that may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Health data shows excellent wellness outcomes across Unley, based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with younger residents demonstrating a low incidence of common illnesses. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing roughly 69% of the population (3,189 people). This is higher than the Greater Adelaide level of 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

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Unley features higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.2% of the population born outside Australia and 22.1% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, followed by 41.3% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

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Unley has a median age of 42, which is slightly higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and above the national average of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket is highly represented at 21.1% of the population compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 5 - 14 demographic is less common at 9.1%. This concentration of residents aged 45 - 54 is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, demographic aging is apparent, with the median age rising from 41 to 42. In detail, the 45 to 54 cohort grew from 14.0% to 21.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 age group rose from 10.8% to . Meanwhile, the to cohort decreased from to , and the to age bracket fell from to . By the age structure is projected to shift, with the to cohort showing the fastest growth at , adding residents to reach while the to and to cohorts are expected to contract.

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Unley currently has an estimated 152 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 98 children aged 0-2 and 66 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 156 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 406. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.