Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Adelaide Hills Council
Charleston, 5244
Est. population · Jun 2025
581
Growth (1 yr)
+1.4%
Growth (5 yr)
+5.6%
Median age
42
Median income
$2,116/wk
Employment rate
71.1%
Languages at home
1.7%non-English
Most common: Polish
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Heritage area
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Set among the hills of Adelaide Hills Council, Charleston is a smaller community with bushland views and a cooler, leafier feel. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix. Everyday life leans local, with a handful of trusted shops, a familiar main street and neighbours who know your name.
Local parks and tree cover add a welcome outdoor dimension to suburban life. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.
Crime reports are up on the previous period. Light infill development is updating a few streets while the wider area stays largely unchanged.
Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because local dining and lifestyle amenities lag behind, despite relative strength in community and employment. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Charleston snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$670/wk
Population (ERP)
581
+1.4% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
5.9%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#20
among Country & regional · Emerging
Safety
1st
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
82nd
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
8/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 39.7/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 3815th in Australia
- State rank
- 411th in SA
- Peer rank
- #20 among Country & regional · Emerging suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #79 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 70%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $670
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA rent report & metro median house sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only
Population
Estimated resident population
581(June 2025)
+1.4% annual · +5.6% over 5 years · 82th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.4%
- 5-year growth
- +5.6%
- Change in 1 year
- +8
- Change in 5 years
- +31
- Growth rank in SA
- 82th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~600), extrapolated at +0.6% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 550
- Median age
- 42
- Median household income / week
- $2,116
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 12 of 202
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,920
- Employment rate
- 71.1%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 189 / 0 / 0
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 2
- Against the person
- 0
- Against property
- 2
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 3.4
- State safety percentile
- 0.6th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 10
- Increase (daily rate)
- +100.5%
Most common offence types
- Other Fraud, Deception And Related Offences1
- Theft From Motor Vehicle1
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Public transport
3 public transport stops in this suburb
- Onkaparinga Valley Rd / Newman Rd - East side
- Onkaparinga Valley Rd / Newman Rd - West side
- Stop School Onkaparinga Valley Rd
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 1
- Parks (OSM)
- 1
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Gumeracha District Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (10.4 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 17
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 29.3
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 29° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 67 mm · ~8 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 97 mm · ~12 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 148 mm · ~18 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 119 mm · ~15 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 11 proposals
July 2026
- Outbuilding addition1825 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
- Verandah and two (2) outbuildings14 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
June 2026
- Construction of an shed for storage associated with the existing shop23 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
- Carport12 NEWMAN RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
May 2026
- Swimming Pool & Safety Barrier23 NEWMAN RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
April 2026
- Outbuilding15 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Verandah and two (2) outbuildings14 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Outbuilding (garage)5 JOCELYN RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
March 2026
- Single storey dwelling addition169 JUNGFER RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
February 2026
- Two storey detached dwelling, verandah, deck & outbuilding9 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
January 2026
- Single-storey detached dwelling12 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
2025· 21 proposals
December 2025
- Change of use of land to include horticulture (floriculture), flower picking (pick your own), holding of functions & freestanding verandahs16 MOUNT VIEW RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
November 2025
- Swimming pool and safety barrier16 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Outbuilding18 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
September 2025
- Construction of a deck and a pergola60 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Construction of new agricultural building & alterations & additions to existing outbuilding & above ground water storage tank72 FOX RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Outbuilding16 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Variation to DA 22001011two storey to a single storey and change of use from carport to studio and new carport6 MOUNT VIEW RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
August 2025
- Single storey detached dwelling19 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
June 2025
- Outbuilding20 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding with attached carport.10 IVAN CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
May 2025
- Swimming pool & safety fences60 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Single storey detached dwelling18 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
April 2025
- Single Storey Detached Dwelling.20 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Single storey detached dwelling, agricultural building, and water tank (above ground)89 HARTMANN RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Single storey detached dwelling26 YVONNE AV CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Swimming Pool & Safety Fences30 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
March 2025
- Verandah196 NEWMAN RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Fence (metal sheet fencing)6 MOUNT VIEW RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Additions to Agricultural buildings for Dairy46 SPRINGHEAD RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Under Assessment
- Construct in-ground concrete pool and safety fence50A ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Detached dwelling14 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
2024· 9 proposals
December 2024
- Outbuilding4 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
November 2024
- construct free standing verandah30 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
September 2024
- Single storey detached dwelling15 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Extension to existing agricultural buildingLOT 74 HARTMANN RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Single storey detached dwelling16 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
August 2024
- Agricultural building1848 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
July 2024
- Detached dwelling7 STANBURY CT CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Tourist accommodation & deck122 GRAEBER RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
- Above ground concrete rain water tankLOT 47 ONKAPARINGA VALLEY RD CHARLESTON SA 5244Decision Made
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
4 heritage places
- Charleston Uniting Church & cemetery36-40 Newman Road CHARLESTONLocal heritage
- Dwelling (former 'Blackford') and stone fence204 Newman Road CHARLESTONState heritage
- Former Stables of 'Blackford' FarmsteadNewman Road CHARLESTONState heritage
- Homestead ('Gumbanks'), including Barn and Blacksmith's WorkshopNewman Road CHARLESTONState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Mayo
- Member of Parliament
- Rebekha SHARKIE (Centre Alliance)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 137,818
- Turnout (2025)
- 94.2%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +3.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 45.0%Labor 55.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 10.5 km away).
Coalition 51.4%Labor 48.6%
6.4 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +4.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- CharlestonLabor 48.7% · Coalition 51.3% TPP (2025)2.2 km away
- LobethalLabor 49.9% · Coalition 50.1% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
- Mount TorrensLabor 42.1% · Coalition 57.9% TPP (2025)5.3 km away
- WoodsideLabor 51.7% · Coalition 48.3% TPP (2025)6.3 km away
- LenswoodLabor 42.4% · Coalition 57.6% TPP (2025)9.2 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 8/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 9/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Adelaide Hills Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.