When it comes to raising young families, Adelaide City is setting the benchmark, not just for South Australia, but the entire nation. New research released by iSelect places Adelaide at the top of the country for childcare availability, with more than three childcare places per child, significantly outpacing the national average.
At 3.11 places per child, Adelaide doesn’t just scrape past its competitors, it confidently outperforms well-resourced areas like South Canberra (2.90) and Dural–Wisemans Ferry (1.74), placing family support at the heart of its urban offering.
The study is part of a wider snapshot examining what makes a region truly family-friendly, factoring in local healthcare, child development outcomes, fertility rates, and, crucially, the relationship between childcare costs and household income.
For parents navigating the complex demands of work and raising children, Adelaide’s strong childcare infrastructure provides both flexibility and peace of mind, especially for those with kids under four. With options in abundance, families are less likely to be stuck on lengthy waitlists or forced to compromise on care.
It’s not just the CBD leading the charge either. Suburbs like Norwood, Payneham, St Peters, Prospect, Walkerville, and Holdfast Bay all offer more than 1.5 places per child, signalling a wider statewide commitment to accessible early childhood care.
Yet, high availability doesn’t always equate to ease. The study also revealed a more sobering reality: Adelaide families spend nearly 30% of their income on childcare, a figure that places the city among the most expensive in relative terms.
The high cost-to-income ratio invites broader conversations about what true accessibility looks like, especially for young or single-income households.
On a more hopeful note, neighbouring regions such as Unley (84.9%) and Holdfast Bay (84.7%) scored strongly in child development, while also offering comparatively more affordable childcare solutions, underscoring that balanced support systems are possible with the right policy settings.
The numbers tell a tale that deserves more than applause. They demand attention. Because while Adelaide’s childcare availability is worth celebrating, the affordability gap is where reform must land next.
For families deciding where to settle, and for policymakers with an eye on the future, the takeaway is simple: Adelaide has the bones of something great. Now, it’s about making it truly sustainable for everyone.
In a city that already leads with heart, the next chapter might just be the one that redefines what raising a family in Australia really looks like.
For the iSelect website, click here.
For the full study, click here.
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