Median house price
$1.5M
+22% change
SA · West Torrens Council
Novar Gardens, 5040
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,822
Growth (1 yr)
+0.8%
Growth (5 yr)
+7.2%
Median age
45
Median income
$1,468/wk
Employment rate
49.5%
Median house price · Q1 2026
$1,505,000
Languages at home
17.6%non-English
Most common: Mandarin, Greek, Cantonese
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- High desirability
- Excellent transport
- Heritage area
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
In West Torrens Council, Novar Gardens is a settled mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel and good links to the wider city. Its inner position means surrounding suburbs are never far away, whether for a meal out or a change of scene. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with a strong presence of young families throughout.
Dining is thinner on the ground than in busier metro pockets, so many residents head to neighbouring suburbs for a night out. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus, with buses linking the suburb to surrounding areas.
Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers. Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.
Against similar metro suburbs, schools and education, plus growth momentum stand out and the overall desirability rating is good, with safety less decisive.
At a glance
Novar Gardens snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$700/wk
Houses $700 · Units $630
Population (ERP)
2,822
+0.8% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
6.7%
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
#6
among Metro Adelaide · Mature
Safety
74th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
66th
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
7/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
76th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
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
- 57.9/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 11% of South Australia's suburbs
- National rank
- 1244th in Australia
- State rank
- 73rd in SA
- Peer rank
- #6 among Metro Adelaide · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #52 among Metro Adelaide suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $630
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $700
- All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $700
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 5
- Median house price (Q1 2026)
- $1,505,000
- Median price change
- +22.4%
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; 1Q 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only
Population
Estimated resident population
2,822(June 2025)
+0.8% annual · +7.2% over 5 years · 66th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.8%
- 5-year growth
- +7.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +23
- Change in 5 years
- +189
- Growth rank in SA
- 66th 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 (~3,050), extrapolated at +1.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,508
- Median age
- 45
- Median household income / week
- $1,468
- Dwelling vacancy
- 6.7%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 67 of 1,003
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,060
- Employment rate
- 49.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 745 / 189 / 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)
- 185
- Against the person
- 50
- Against property
- 135
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 65.6
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 50 residents
- State safety percentile
- 74.4th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 38
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -6.8%
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental40
- Other Theft22
- Other Unlawful Entry With Intent12
- Sct - Residence21
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury27
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
Schools & preschools
- Median school ICSEA (6 schools)
- 1,072.5
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 76th
School list
- Immanuel CollegeSecondary · Independent · ICSEA 1117 · 89th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 1,184 students · Top SEA quarter 45% · 0.7 km awayView on My School →
- Immanuel Primary SchoolPrimary · Independent · ICSEA 1120 · 89th percentile · LBOTE 42% · 575 students · Top SEA quarter 49% · 0.7 km awayView on My School →
- St Leonards Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1064 · 73th percentile · LBOTE 15% · 387 students · Top SEA quarter 27% · 1.3 km awayView on My School →
- Errington Special Education CentreSpecial · Government · ICSEA 1030 · 60th percentile · LBOTE 43% · 103 students · Top SEA quarter 24% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
- Plympton International CollegeCombined · Government · ICSEA 1044 · 66th percentile · LBOTE 45% · 825 students · Top SEA quarter 22% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
- St John the Baptist Catholic SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1081 · 79th percentile · LBOTE 26% · 361 students · Top SEA quarter 30% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Public transport
15 public transport stops in this suburb
- Stop 15C Morphett Rd - West side
- Stop 15D Morphett Rd - West side
- Stop 17 St Andrews Cres - East side
- Stop 18 St Andrews Cres - North side
- Stop 18 St Andrews Cres - South side
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
102 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 restaurants · 1 cafes · 1 supermarkets · 1 pharmacies · 1 fast food · 1 places of worship · 9 playgrounds · 1 sports centres
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus
- Great for outdoor family life — 10 parks mapped in suburb, 9 playgrounds nearby
- Reasonable bus and transport access — 15 public transport stops
- Strong local sport and recreation — 16 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 69/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.4
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 1.2
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.99
Food & drink(3)
- Cafe Novar EspressoCafe
- Cook 'N' ChooksFast food
122 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens
- Dining RoomRestaurant
Shopping(3)
- Novar Gardens Quality MeatsButcher
122 Morphett Road
- IGASupermarket
104 Morphett Road
Community(2)
- Immanuel CollegeSchool
32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens
- Immanuel Primary SchoolSchool
Health & services(1)
- Chemplus Novar GardensPharmacy
126 Morphett Road
Sport & outdoors(26)
- Glenelg Golf CourseGolf course
- Amy Street ReservePark
- Cummins House ReservePark
- Graham Crescent ReservePark
- Hoylake ReservePark
- Lindfield ReservePark
- Montreal Avenue ReservePark
- Park
- Sandison ReservePark
- Shephard Court ReservePark
- St Andrews ReservePark
- Camden Oval - Glenlea Tennis PlaygroundPlayground
- Camden Oval PlaygroundPlayground
- Cummins House ReservePlayground
- Graham Crescent PlaygroundPlayground
- Lindfield PlaygroundPlayground
- Montreal Avenue PlaygroundPlayground
- Playground
- Shephard Court PlaygroundPlayground
- St Andrews PlaygroundPlayground
- Camden Sports ComplexSports centre
- ICOSA OvalSports field
- Meier OvalSports field
- Saratoga OvalSports field
- Sports field
- Swimming pool
Entertainment(3)
- Century TheatreTheatre
- Rock FarmTheatre
- Theatre
Transport(15)
15 bus stops
Other(12)
- Bench (2)
- Function CentreEvents Venue
- Pazzaz Hair and BeautyHairdresser
122 Morphett Road
- Parking (34)
- SportsPhysioSAPhysiotherapist
122 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens
- Picnic Table (2)
- ChapelPlace of worship
- Novar Gardens NewsagencyPost office
122 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens
- Public toilets
- Shelter (2)
- Track
- Waste Basket (3)
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)
- 10
- Parks (OSM)
- 10
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
Places of worship
1 places of worship within ~1.5 km
- Chapel
From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Glenelg Day Surgery (1.9 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Private Day Only Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- No emergency department listed
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)
- 72
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 25.5
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
- 27° / 16°
- Rainfall
- 49 mm · ~6 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 94 mm · ~12 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 161 mm · ~20 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 95 mm · ~12 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· 22 proposals
August 2026
- Construction of new 32.48m retaining wall20 -118 JAMES MELROSE RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
June 2026
- Dwelling Addition35 WINDERMERE AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
- Garage for residential household storage12 ST CLOUD ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
May 2026
- Front proch/verandah12 SHEPHARD CT NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
- Removal (retrospective) of regulated Canary Island Date Palm tree7 DONCASTER AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
April 2026
- Two-storey detached dwellingLOT A SHEPHARD CT NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
- Tree-damaging activity (Crown modification pruning).9 ST CLOUD ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Partial demolition of existing dwelling and additions to the rear of existing dwelling, including an alfresco.18 SHEOAK AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
- Swimming Pool and Safety Fence17 ST CLOUD ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Single storey dwelling alterations and additions14 SYCAMORE AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
- Verandah to rear of dwelling13 CYGNET ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- New swimming pool and associated swimming pool safety features4 CYGNET ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Land division - Torrens - 1 into 2 allotments; and removal of a Significant tree (Agonis flexuosa) and two Regulated trees (Callistemon sp. and Ulmus parvifolia)24 ST ANDREWS CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
March 2026
- Community title land division- one (1) into two (2) allotments with a common sewer area18 OAKMONT CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Fitout of existing pharmacy122 -126 MORPHETT RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Verandah17 BARTLETT DR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Building Alterations and Dwelling Extension7 HOYLAKE ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Building alterations to existing theatre, including a roof-mounted mechanical air-conditioning unit and associated ductwork32 -76 MORPHETT RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Swimming Pool and associated swimming pool safety features20 PINE AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
February 2026
- Swimming pool & safety fences90 BONYTHON AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
January 2026
- Removal of a Significant tree (Corymbia ficifolia)20 OAKMONT CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Verandah12 SARATOGA DR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
2025· 19 proposals
December 2025
- Carport15 MONTANA DR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
- Shed (replacement of existing - RETROSPECTIVE).9 NAGLE CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
November 2025
- Partial demolition of existing dwelling, demolition of ancillary structure, alterations to existing garage and a single storey dwelling addition16 PINE AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
October 2025
- Two storey detached dwelling14 NAGLE CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Complete refurbishment of 2 sets of toilet facilities in the Middle School.32 -76 MORPHETT RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Proposed Development Details current fence to be removed from front and side yard. back yard boundary fence to be extended full length of back and side boundary to wrap around the yard stopping in line with the front of the house and then adjoining to house. Double Gate to be installed on southern boudary for vehicle access, access gate to be installed on the new northern fence line adjoining the house. Proposal is to follow the current fenceline next to the intersetion for the installation. fen6 ST ANDREWS CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
September 2025
- Addition to existing educational establishment in the form of the construction of a 'Learning Pod'.24 MORPHETT RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Internal upgrades to existing 2-storey boarding house facility.32 -76 MORPHETT RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Swimming pool and safety fencing.8 SUNNINGDALE AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Construction of two (2) single storey detached dwellings18 OAKMONT CR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- full removal of dying Significant reserve tree483 -489 ANZAC HWY NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
August 2025
- 2 x single storey attached units - Repair & rebuildUNIT 27-51 9 MONTREAL AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Removal of two (2) regulated trees and the pruning of one (1) significant tree as part of Glenelg Golf Course's course enhancement program.20 -118 JAMES MELROSE RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Construction of storage shed483 -489 ANZAC HWY NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Dwelling addition/alteration and modification of existing crossover1 DONCASTER AV NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Under Assessment
July 2025
- Outbuilding (garage) and the removal of a Significant Callistemon Viminalis (Bottle Brush)17 BARTLETT DR NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
June 2025
- Removal of regulated street tree3 ST CLOUD ST NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
- Verandah17 MILLER CT NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision Made
May 2025
- Installation of temporary prefabricated ancillary accommodation, in the form of a detached habitable room for emergency accommodationUNIT 37-50 210 MORPHETT RD NOVAR GARDENS SA 5040Decision 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
3 heritage places
- Avenue of River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)457-489 Anzac Highway NOVAR GARDENSLocal heritage
- Olive Grove (Olea europa)457-489 Anzac Highway NOVAR GARDENSLocal heritage
- Cummins House [Includes Morphett Family Furniture Collection - Objects of heritage significance]19 - 23 Sheoak Avenue NOVAR GARDENSState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
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
- Hindmarsh
- Member of Parliament
- Mark BUTLER (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 131,379
- Turnout (2025)
- 91.4%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +7.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 33.6%Labor 66.3%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 4.3 km away).
Coalition 39.2%Labor 60.8%
5.6 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +8.1 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Novar GardensLabor 58.5% · Coalition 41.5% TPP (2025)0.7 km away
- Plympton WestLabor 65.8% · Coalition 34.2% TPP (2025)0.9 km away
- Glenelg North (Hindmarsh)Labor 56.8% · Coalition 43.2% TPP (2025)1.0 km away
- Plympton (Hindmarsh)Labor 70.8% · Coalition 29.2% TPP (2025)2.3 km away
- West BeachLabor 59.6% · Coalition 40.4% TPP (2025)3.8 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)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 6/10
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
This suburb ranks highly for
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in West Torrens Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.