Onkaparinga Hills is a southern suburb of Adelaide, in the City of Onkaparinga. It covers an area of approximately 22 square kilometres (8.5 square miles).[1] It has a population of 2534 people (2011 Census).[4] It is a leafy suburb that includes parts of the Onkaparinga River National Park.[2]
Nearly 60% of families in the area are couples with children, compared to an Australian average of 45.3%. The median rent in 2006 was $230.[3] The current median cost of a home in the area is $390 000.[4] 93.5% of people speak English only at home (Australian average 78.5%) and 91% are Australian citizens compared to the Australian average of 86.1%.[5] The Onkaparinga Hills are examples of folding.
Prior to European colonisation, the area was inhabited by the Kaurna people.[6] The name Onkaparinga is derived from the Kaurna word ngankiparrinnga, meaning 'The Women's River'.[7]
European settlement dates from the 1840s. Most of the settlers were initially farmers, with vineyards later being established. After the war[clarification needed] there was significant development and again in the early 1990s. The population is now relatively stable. There are still sections of the area used for vineyards, farming and grazing.[8]
