Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Athelstone
6 km²
Life in Athelstone is defined by spacious family living and a highly qualified population. It is a well-to-do community where a high proportion of residents own their large homes outright and earn well above the national figure. The area is notably diverse, with a strong Italian influence that shapes the local culture and language. With many residents in their 40s and a high number of children, it is a settled, family-oriented suburb of Greater Adelaide.
Athelstone's schools draw a community as advantaged as its high household incomes suggest.
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The typical resident is 43, making the area noticeably older than the Australian average. While children under 15 make up 16.2% of the population, there is a very low proportion of people in de facto relationships compared to other areas.
A strong overseas connection is evident here, with 28% of people born abroad. Italian heritage is especially prominent, representing 27.6% of the population, followed closely by English and Australian ancestry.
Language diversity is much higher than in most areas, with 24.4% of residents using a language other than English at home. This is largely driven by the Italian community, as 7.3% of residents speak Italian.
Religious affiliation is more common here than in most areas; 56.5% of residents identify as Christian, while the 32.7% who have no religion is far below the South Australian figure.
Residents are highly qualified, with 29.8% holding a bachelor degree or higher and 64.6% completing Year 12, both of which are well above the national average.
Incomes are strong, with the typical family earning $2,267 a week, which is higher than most areas. About 25.2% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, well above the state average.
Health outcomes are slightly better than average, as the 27.6% of people with a long-term health condition is well below the South Australian figure. Mental health conditions affect 7.6% of residents.
The community is active in supporting others, with 15% providing unpaid care—a rate well above the national figure. Additionally, 28.8% of people provide unpaid childcare, which is higher than most areas.
First Nations residents earn more than the state and national figures, with a typical household income of $1,724. Notably, the unemployment rate for this group is 0.0%, far below the national average.
Families are the norm here, with 63.4% of homes consisting of couples with children. This leads to larger households, with 2.7 people per home, which is higher than most areas.
Housing is dominated by large, detached homes, with 92.3% of dwellings having three or more bedrooms. Home ownership is very high, with 44% of residents owning their home outright.
Public transport use is among the highest for this level, supported by 43 stops. While most people drive, 5.3% commute by bus, and the drive time to the city is much lower than most areas.
The community is relatively stable, with 29.1% of people moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure of 40.7%. Recent overseas arrivals make up 7.7% of the population.
A high number of adults are working or looking for work, at 66.6%, which is well above the national average. Professional roles are common, and the local workforce is heavily employed in health and education.
Athelstone is very safe, with a recorded offence rate of 1,739 per 100,000 people, which is much lower than most areas. Property damage and theft rates are also among the lowest.
The suburb is very accessible, with 96.8% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport. However, there is a total lack of health services within a 15-minute walk.