Community Voices on Adelaide Local Economy Snapshot

The City of Adelaide's Gross Regional Product reached $23.95 billion in 2023, a 5.7% rise from the prior year.

This figure matters now because the central business district accounts for 18% of South Australia's total economy while supporting 12,558 businesses, most of them microbusinesses. The local enumerated population stands at 27,901, and 169,940 jobs exist inside city boundaries, with Health Care and Social Assistance the largest employing sector.

Worker Spending and Tourism Records

Workers in the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide spent approximately $2.5 billion in the city in 2025, an average of $72 per day per worker. Consumer expenditure in the city and North Adelaide hit a record $371 million in March 2025, up 5% on the previous year, while entertainment spending rose 188%. Q1 2024 produced the strongest accommodation revenue on record, with March alone generating $43 million and business events adding $45 million in economic stimulus.

Growth Outlook and Labour Market

Adelaide ranks 7th out of 17 global peers for long-term growth prospects yet sits nearly 25% behind peer averages on GDP per capita. South Australia's economy is projected to grow by 2% in 2025/26, supported by household spending and projects such as the South Road redevelopment and new Women's and Children's Hospital. The city's unemployment rate sits at approximately 4.5% with a labour participation rate near 78%. Healthcare employment has grown 45% and construction 49% in recent years.

City of Adelaide data show the local economy operating across 12,558 businesses and 169,940 jobs. The same sources record an average annual population growth rate of 3.3% between 1991 and 2021. Economists from Adelaide University link the 2% state growth forecast to rising household spending, the South Road redevelopment, and a stronger grain crop. Readers seeking further detail can consult the cited economic profiles at citycompass.com.au/adelaide-c/economic and economy.id.com.au/adelaide.