Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Adelaide Hills Council
Houghton, 5131
Est. population · Jun 2025
540
Growth (1 yr)
+0.8%
Growth (5 yr)
+2.5%
Median age
50
Median income
$2,356/wk
Employment rate
67.9%
Languages at home
3.2%non-English
Most common: Polish
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Heritage area
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Houghton is a hillside smaller community in Adelaide Hills Council, with elevated streets and a greener, quieter pace. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. Dining is thinner on the ground than in busier metro pockets, so many residents head to neighbouring suburbs for a night out.
Local parks and tree cover add a welcome outdoor dimension to suburban life. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.
Reported crime has been falling recently. The streetscape feels settled and established, with older homes giving the area a familiar, lived-in look.
Desirability lands below average here: softer growth momentum weighing on the result versus similar metro suburbs, even with community and employment holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Houghton snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
540
+0.8% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
4.8%
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
#47
among Metro Adelaide · Mature
Safety
11th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
63rd
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
9/10
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
- 37.5/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4216th in Australia
- State rank
- 445th in SA
- Peer rank
- #47 among Metro Adelaide · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #304 among Metro Adelaide suburbs
- Data confidence
- 70%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Population
Estimated resident population
540(June 2025)
+0.8% annual · +2.5% over 5 years · 63th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.8%
- 5-year growth
- +2.5%
- Change in 1 year
- +4
- Change in 5 years
- +13
- Growth rank in SA
- 63th 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 (~550), extrapolated at +0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 511
- Median age
- 50
- Median household income / week
- $2,356
- Dwelling vacancy
- 4.8%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 9 of 186
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,970
- Employment rate
- 67.9%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 176 / 3 / 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 decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 6
- Against the person
- 2
- Against property
- 4
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 11.1
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 256 residents
- State safety percentile
- 11.1th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 2
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -33.2%
Most common offence types
- Abduction, Harassment And Other Offences1
- Obtain Benefit By Deception1
- Other Acts Intended To Cause Injury1
- Other Property Damage And Environmental2
- Other Unlawful Entry With Intent1
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
1 public transport stops in this suburb
- Lower North East Rd / Blackhill Rd - West side (Houghton Square)
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
4 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 2/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 1.96
Sport & outdoors(2)
- Park
- Sports field
Other(2)
- Trail HeadInformation
- Parking
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
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
- Modbury Hospital (5.9 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)
- 16
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 29.6
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· 8 proposals
July 2026
- Outbuilding (shed)54 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
June 2026
- Retaining wall59 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
May 2026
- Decking54 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
April 2026
- Centenary Verandah26 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Installation of Swimming pool and safety barriers1359 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Horse keeping59 MURPHY RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
March 2026
- Deck1 WILLOWBANK RISE HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
February 2026
- Retaining walls, Deck, Tree damaging activity Regulated tree (Retrospective)54 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
2025· 15 proposals
October 2025
- Construction of a swimming pool and a retaining wall59 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
September 2025
- Decking & Verandah repairs/reroofing77 AMBERDALE RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
August 2025
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding59 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
July 2025
- Outbuilding1 WILLIAM ST HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- internal renovations and change to roof form.7 HORN ST HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Verandah27 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Construction of a verandah1361 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
June 2025
- Outbuilding79 AMBERDALE RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
May 2025
- Verandah7 JOHNS RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
April 2025
- Boundary Re-Alignment19 -23 BLACKHILL RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Outbuilding9 BLACKHILL RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
March 2025
- Carport1 WILLOWBANK RISE HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
February 2025
- Partial demolition of existing dwelling, dwelling addition and alterations, outbuilding, deck, and swimming pool and associated safety features1872 NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
January 2025
- Swimming pool & safety fences1357 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Outbuilding17 AMBERDALE RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
2024· 6 proposals
December 2024
- Replacement building (Retaining Wall)15 HOUGHTON HOLLOW RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
November 2024
- Retaining wall and fence structure1377 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
August 2024
- Two storey detached dwelling, retaining walls & above ground water storage tank1353 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
May 2024
- Verandah37 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Community title land division (1 into 3)1349 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Domestic outbuilding1357 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
2023· 11 proposals
September 2023
- Attached verandah6 WILLIAM ST HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Carport79 RANGE RD S HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
August 2023
- Outbuilding6 HORN ST HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
July 2023
- Outbuilding1343A LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
June 2023
- Fence7 JOHNS RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
May 2023
- Alterations and additions to single storey detached dwelling including deck1419 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Three storey detached dwelling, swimming pool and associated safety barriers, retaining walls14 HOUGHTON HOLLOW RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
April 2023
- Two storey alterations and additions to existing detached dwelling including deck and balcony1862 NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Under Assessment
- Carports x 21344 LOWER NORTH EAST RD HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
March 2023
- Carport7 HORN ST HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision Made
- Change of use of existing dwelling to tourist accommodation9 HORN ST HOUGHTON SA 5131Decision 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
Roadworks & transport
4 active roadworks / incidents
- ConstructionNorth East Road, Houghton Hollow Rd30 Sep 2025 – 17 Aug 2026
- ConstructionNorth East Road, Range Rd North30 Sep 2025 – 17 Aug 2026
- ConstructionNorth East Road, Rehn Rd30 Sep 2025 – 17 Aug 2026
- ConstructionNorth East Road, Lower North East Rd30 Sep 2025 – 17 Aug 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Traffic SA road events — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Heritage
3 heritage places
- Houghton Union Chapel21 Blackhill Road HOUGHTONState heritage
- Houghton War Memorial4 Blackhill Road HOUGHTONLocal heritage
- Former Newman's Nursery Site, Anstey Hill Recreation ParkAnstey Hill TEA TREE GULLYState 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 13.7 km away).
Coalition 55.1%Labor 44.9%
10.1 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: -1.0 pp toward Coalition
Nearest polling places
- HoughtonLabor 44.8% · Coalition 55.2% TPP (2025)0.6 km away
- Cudlee CreekLabor 47.7% · Coalition 52.3% TPP (2025)5.6 km away
- KersbrookLabor 49.2% · Coalition 50.8% TPP (2025)10.2 km away
- Norton SummitLabor 61.3% · Coalition 38.7% TPP (2025)11.0 km away
- GumerachaLabor 53.5% · Coalition 46.5% TPP (2025)11.5 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)
- 9/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 10/10
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.