Adelaide vs Happy Valley
The verdict
Happy Valley is more affordable, with a median house price of $829K versus $1.16M in Adelaide. Adelaide rates higher for transport (99 vs 43). Happy Valley is closer to the coast (6.9 km vs 9.2 km). On the separate residential safety score, Happy Valley rates higher (100 vs 11/100 in Adelaide).
Scores
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 53 |
| Transport | 99 | 43 |
| Education | 86 | 56 |
| Liveability | 89 | 60 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,202 | 11,420 |
| Median age | 31 | 42 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,365 | $1,573 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 63.3% | 31.0% |
| Born in Australia | 41.0% | 79.0% |
| Avg household size | 1.8 | 2.5 |
Growth: Adelaide High Growth · Happy Valley —
Property
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.16M | $829K |
| Median unit price | Data not available | Data not available |
| House price YoY | 9.3% | 14.0% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $650 | $650 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.1% | 3.7% |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 11 | 100 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 429 | 44 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 1,011 | 61 |
| Domestic assault /100k | Data not available | Data not available |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 46,561 | 1,778 |
Adelaide is a commercial/transport hub — total figures include visitors and workers, not just residents.
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 15 | 2 |
| Government | 4 | 2 |
| Independent | 7 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,081 | 1,035 |
See the full school list on each profile: Adelaide · Happy Valley
Transport
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 99 | 43 |
| Train stations | 2 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 225 | 97 |
| Light rail stops | 14 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 8 | 62 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 130 m | 6.4 km |
Liveability
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 29.0°C | 29.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 15.5°C | 15.5°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 550 | 550 |
| Supermarkets | 14 | 1 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 373 | 2 |
| Parks | 46 | 26 |
| Playgrounds | 11 | 6 |
| Swimming pools | 3 | 108 |
| Medical GPs | 17 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 9.2 km | 6.9 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 10 m | 16.6 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 9.8 km | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 440 m | 14.3 km |
Population & growth
| Adelaide | Happy Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 18,202 | 11,420 |
| Estimated 2025 | 22,154 | Data not available |
| Projected 2041 | 29,393 | Data not available |
| Annual growth rate | 5.03% | Data not available |
Common questions
Which is safer, Adelaide or Happy Valley?
Happy Valley has the higher residential safety score (Adelaide 11/100 vs Happy Valley 100/100).
Which is more affordable, Adelaide or Happy Valley?
Happy Valley is more affordable, with a median house price of $829K versus $1.16M.
Which has better schools, Adelaide or Happy Valley?
Adelaide has a higher average school ICSEA (Adelaide 1081 vs Happy Valley 1035; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Adelaide or Happy Valley?
Adelaide has the higher transport score (Adelaide 99/100 vs Happy Valley 43/100).
Try another comparison
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