Housing

Dwelling type

About this topic

Dwelling type shows the structure of dwellings, such as separate houses, medium density housing, and higher density housing. It is a core measure of built form and residential density within an area.

This topic helps explain the housing role of an area and the kinds of households it may attract. It is best read with household size, household type, tenure, and age structure, because built form and population characteristics are closely related.

Interpretation notes

  • Dwelling structure describes the physical form of dwellings counted on Census night rather than tenure, housing condition, or household makeup.
  • It is strongest when read alongside household size and tenure, because structure alone does not show who lives there.

Key insight

In 2021, high density was the most common dwelling type among dwellings in Adelaide, accounting for 63.5% (5,767 dwellings). This share was higher than Adelaide (C) (52.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in high density, which increased by 1,890 dwellings and 7.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Dwelling structure

Adelaide - Dwellings (Enumerated)

This table summarises dwelling type for Adelaide in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Adelaide (C) and change since 2016.

Dwelling structure snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Adelaide, with comparison markers for Adelaide (C).

Adelaide
Adelaide (C)

Separate house

2021 count

382

% of total

4.2%

Change from 2016

-1.2pp

Medium density

2021 count

2,633

% of total

29.0%

Change from 2016

-6.3pp

High density

2021 count

5,767

% of total

63.5%

Change from 2016

+7.8pp

Caravans, cabin, houseboat

2021 count

0

% of total

0.0%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Other

2021 count

152

% of total

1.7%

Change from 2016

-0.9pp

Not stated

2021 count

140

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

+0.4pp

Data table

Dwelling type for Adelaide. Dwelling structure. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Adelaide (C).

Dwelling type for Adelaide. Dwelling structure. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Adelaide (C).
Dwelling type for Adelaide. Dwelling structure. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Adelaide (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Adelaide (C)%Count%Adelaide (C)%Countpp
Separate house3824.2%8.4%3745.4%11.5%+8-1.2pp
Medium density2,63329.0%36.7%2,45935.3%41.4%+174-6.3pp
High density5,76763.5%52.2%3,87755.7%44.1%+1,890+7.8pp
Caravans, cabin, houseboat00.0%0.0%30.0%0.0%-30.0pp
Other1521.7%1.3%1812.6%2.0%-29-0.9pp
Not stated1401.5%1.2%791.1%1.0%+61+0.4pp
Total Occupied Private Dwellings9,081100.0%100.0%6,964100.0%100.0%+2,1170.0pp