Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills region, as defined by the South Australian State Government, encompasses the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker. DFEEST supports the Adelaide Hills Employment and Workforce Development Network in providing employment and training opportunities within the region.

The Adelaide Hills region has a relatively middle-aged population profile, with above average proportions of children under 15 and people aged between 45 and 64 years. The region has high proportions of families with children. There have been above average population increases over recent years, particularly in the Mount Barker District Council area, and the population is projected to continue to grow at a rate higher than the State average.

Key labour force indicators for the Adelaide Hills region show above average labour force participation rates, and low levels of unemployment. Residents of the region are represented highly in professional, semi-professional, managerial and trades occupations. Just over 60% of residents work in areas outside the region, an indicator more of the close proximity to the Adelaide metropolitan area and central business district rather than a shortage of employment within the region.

The general level of education and qualifications in the Adelaide Hills region is above the State average, with high levels of school achievement and post-school qualifications.

With relatively low unemployment rates and high workforce participation, the population of the Adelaide Hills region is relatively secure in economic terms. The region records above average income levels and high proportions of houses with mortgages, and below average levels of income support recipients.

Full Regional Profile

2010 Adelaide Hills Regional Profile [PDF 615KB]

Employment and Skills Formation Strategic Plan

ESF Strategic Plan 2009 to 2012 [DOC 506KB]