🔍

Glenalta

SA 5052 • Greater Adelaide

2,039
Population (2021)
$49,140
Median Income
1.19 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
LeafyHillsFamily-FriendlyEstablishedBushland

About Glenalta

Glenalta is a leafy suburb nestled in the south-eastern foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges in Adelaide, South Australia, approximately 19 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD within the City of Mitcham local government area. With a population of 2,039 at the 2021 Census and an elevation of 258 metres, the suburb sits adjacent to Belair National Park and is characterised by established family homes set among native bushland. The median household income of $1,968 per week and a median age of 42 reflect a prosperous, family-oriented community.

Glenalta is served by its own railway station on Adelaide Metro's Belair line, offering regular services to Adelaide city centre in under 30 minutes — an exceptional public transport connection for a Hills suburb. The suburb's border with Belair National Park provides immediate access to hundreds of hectares of native bushland, walking trails, cycling paths, and the historic Old Government House. Glenalta was famously described by demographer Bernard Salt as Adelaide's most liveable suburb, recognising its blend of affordability, accessibility, and natural ambience.

Glenalta falls under postcode 5052 and is governed by Mitcham Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Waite electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5052
Urban Area
Mitcham
LGA / Council
Mitcham
Federal Electorate
Boothby
State Electorate
Waite
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.01°, 138.63°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
1.19 km²
Elevation
258m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Glenalta
0.3 km
4 min

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro bus connections at Blackwood — Blackwood and Adelaide Hills suburbs 5–15 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
19 km
By Train
Approx. 28–35 min on Adelaide Metro Belair Line from Glenalta station to Adelaide station
By Car (Peak)
30–45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20–30 min

🛣️ Main Road provides primary road access; Blackwood shopping centre is nearby

Walkability Car-Dependent

Train access to the city is excellent, but most local errands and shopping require a car; Blackwood centre is a short drive away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,811
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
42 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,959
Census 2021
2,039
▲ 4.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$41,704
Income 2021
$49,140
▲ 17.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,613
Born Overseas 400

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 166
  • 2. Germany 26
  • 3. New Zealand 24
  • 4. Scotland 18
  • 5. United States 17
  • 6. Canada 12
  • 7. Malaysia 11
  • 8. Netherlands 8
  • 9. South Africa 7
  • 10. South Korea 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,065
Australian 761
Scottish 269
Irish 203
German 181
Italian 61
Dutch 46
Chinese 38
Welsh 35
Polish 27

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,137
Both parents born in Australia
516
Both parents born overseas
355
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.2%
Christianity
38.1%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
127 (6.2%)
5-14 years
285 (14.0%)
15-19 years
129 (6.3%)
20-24 years
91 (4.5%)
25-34 years
178 (8.7%)
35-44 years
285 (14.0%)
45-54 years
304 (14.9%)
55-64 years
195 (9.6%)
65-74 years
217 (10.6%)
75-84 years
197 (9.7%)
85+ years
46 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glenalta known for? +

Glenalta is known for its position directly adjacent to Belair National Park, its leafy bushland character, and its own train station providing easy access to the Adelaide CBD. In 2009, demographer Bernard Salt named it Adelaide's most liveable suburb, citing its affordability, access, and natural ambience.

How far is Glenalta from Adelaide CBD? +

Glenalta is approximately 19 kilometres south-east of Adelaide CBD, making it around a 20–30 minute drive off-peak or approximately 28–35 minutes by train on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line.

Does Glenalta have public transport? +

Yes — Glenalta has its own train station on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line, located on Main Road. Trains run regularly to Adelaide city centre, making it one of the better-connected Hills suburbs for public transport commuters.

What is the population of Glenalta? +

Glenalta had a population of 2,039 at the 2021 Census, a modest increase from 1,959 in 2016. The suburb is largely built out, with limited new development given its proximity to national park land.

Is Glenalta a good place to live? +

Glenalta is widely regarded as one of Adelaide's most desirable Hills suburbs, offering a peaceful bushland lifestyle with direct access to Belair National Park, good train connectivity to the city, and established family-friendly streets. It suits families and professionals seeking a nature-connected lifestyle within commuting distance of Adelaide.

What is the postcode for Glenalta? +

Glenalta's postcode is 5052, shared with the neighbouring suburb of Hawthorndene.