🔍

Bowden

SA 5007 • Greater Adelaide

1,808
Population (2021)
$54,912
Median Income
0.40 km²
Area
$390/wk
Median Rent
Up-and-ComingInner-CityCafé CultureTransit-OrientedUrban Renewal

About Bowden

Bowden is a compact inner-city suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, situated approximately 2 kilometres north-west of the CBD in the City of Charles Sturt. Covering just 0.4 square kilometres, Bowden has undergone remarkable transformation over the past decade as one of Adelaide's most significant urban renewal projects, with the formerly industrial suburb repositioned as a high-density, transit-oriented residential and creative precinct. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,808 — nearly double the 2016 figure of 911 — with a young median age of 32 reflecting the influx of young professionals and apartment dwellers attracted by the suburb's regeneration.

Bowden's centrepiece is Plant 3 Bowden, a repurposed industrial building housing a vibrant food market, artisan producers, and creative businesses that has become a weekend destination for Adelaide residents. The suburb is served directly by the Outer Harbor and Grange tram and rail lines, placing the Adelaide CBD just minutes away. The Bowden development has introduced a mix of modern apartments, terraced houses, and public spaces including Brompton Rd's café strip and the Plant 4 events venue, fostering a lively urban community culture. The suburb attracts young professionals, couples, and creatives seeking walkable, inner-urban living at Adelaide's most exciting precinct.

Bowden falls under postcode 5007 and is governed by Charles Sturt Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Croydon electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5007
Urban Area
Charles Sturt - North-East
LGA / Council
Charles Sturt
Federal Electorate
Adelaide
State Electorate
Croydon
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.90°, 138.58°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
0.40 km²
Elevation
22m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bowden Station
0.3 km
4 min

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro bus routes — Adelaide CBD and inner north 10-15 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
2 km
By Train
8-10 min via Outer Harbor Line from Bowden Station
By Car (Peak)
8-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5-8 min

🛣️ Excellent public transport access; walking and cycling to CBD also practical. Port Road provides main arterial access.

Walkability Very Walkable

Compact, high-density suburb with train station, cafes, markets, and local shops all within easy walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$390
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,560
Avg Household Size
1.8 people
Median Age
32 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
14.7%

83 state housing + 53 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
911
Census 2021
1,808
▲ 98.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,892
Income 2021
$54,912
▲ 57.4% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,100
Born Overseas 573

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 83
  • 2. China 74
  • 3. Malaysia 37
  • 4. India 27
  • 5. New Zealand 24
  • 6. Hong Kong 20
  • 7. Philippines 18
  • 8. South Korea 17
  • 9. United States 16
  • 10. Singapore 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 617
Australian 451
Irish 186
Chinese 165
Scottish 157
German 110
Italian 97
Greek 46
Indian 32
Dutch 29

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

723
Both parents born in Australia
685
Both parents born overseas
251
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
59.2%
Christianity
24.2%
Islam
2.9%
Buddhism
2.4%
Hinduism
1.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
51 (2.8%)
5-14 years
82 (4.5%)
15-19 years
41 (2.3%)
20-24 years
251 (13.9%)
25-34 years
585 (32.4%)
35-44 years
261 (14.4%)
45-54 years
152 (8.4%)
55-64 years
205 (11.3%)
65-74 years
137 (7.6%)
75-84 years
37 (2.0%)
85+ years
10 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bowden SA known for? +

Bowden is known as Adelaide's premier urban renewal suburb, home to the popular Plant 3 Bowden food market and Plant 4 events venue housed in repurposed industrial buildings. The suburb is celebrated for its creative and café culture, transit-oriented design, and rapid transformation from an industrial precinct to a vibrant residential community.

How far is Bowden from Adelaide CBD? +

Bowden is approximately 2 kilometres north-west of the Adelaide CBD, typically an 8–10 minute train ride on the Outer Harbor Line or a short 5–8 minute drive via Port Road.

Does Bowden have public transport? +

Bowden Station is located within the suburb and provides direct access to Adelaide CBD on the Outer Harbor and Grange rail lines, with trains typically running every 15–30 minutes. Adelaide Metro bus services also serve the area.

What is the population of Bowden SA? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bowden has a population of 1,808 — nearly double its 2016 population of 911, reflecting rapid growth from urban renewal and apartment development. The median age is 32.

Is Bowden SA a good place to live? +

Bowden is an excellent choice for young professionals and inner-city lifestyle seekers. Its combination of excellent public transport, walkability, proximity to Adelaide CBD, and vibrant food and creative culture makes it one of Adelaide's most desirable emerging suburbs.

What is the postcode for Bowden SA? +

The postcode for Bowden, South Australia is 5007.