Colonel Light Gardens

Colonel Light Gardens is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Colonel Light Gardens' population was 15,842 as of Nov 2021. By Nov 2025, it is estimated to be around 16,139, an increase of 297 people (1.9%). This growth is inferred from the ABS's June 2024 estimate of 16,119 and 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Nov 2025 is estimated at 2,387 persons per square kilometer. Relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch, this places Colonel Light Gardens in the upper quartile. Its 1.9% growth since the 2021 Census compares favorably with the SA3 area's 4.4%.

Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth, with Colonel Light Gardens expected to increase by 663 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 4.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Colonel Light Gardens according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Colonel Light Gardens has seen approximately 37 dwellings approved annually for development. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 186 homes received approval, with a further 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, each new home attracted about 0.5 new residents per year.

The construction value of new properties averaged $333,000 during this period. This financial year has seen $131.8 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating significant local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Colonel Light Gardens exhibits around 68% of the construction activity per capita. Nationally, it ranks at the 42nd percentile for areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties.

This lower-than-average activity may indicate the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Colonel Light Gardens comprises approximately 69% standalone homes and 31% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density housing options across various price brackets. With around 389 people per dwelling approval, the market shows signs of development. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 643 residents by 2041, suggesting that current construction levels should meet demand adequately and create favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current projections.

Colonel Light Gardens has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Tram Grade Separation Projects, SA Health's Building a Bigger Health System in the South (including Daw Park Urgent Care Hub and other upgrades), Springbank Road Pedestrian Actuated Crossing, and Hotel Panorama. The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Colonel Light Gardens performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Colonel Light Gardens has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

In the past year, employment grew by an estimated 3.3%. As of September 2025, 9,442 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 2.2% and workforce participation at 67.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter having an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Manufacturing employs only 4.7% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, labour force by 3.4%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and a fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Colonel Light Gardens' employment mix indicates local employment should grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Colonel Light Gardens SA2 was $56,905 and the average income stood at $73,460 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This compares to figures for Greater Adelaide of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,206 (median) and $82,885 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Colonel Light Gardens cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 28.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,648 residents). Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Colonel Light Gardens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Colonel Light Gardens' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.5% houses and 26.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Colonel Light Gardens was at 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.3% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,992. Median weekly rent was $320, lower than Adelaide metro's $335. Nationally, Colonel Light Gardens' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Colonel Light Gardens has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.4% of all households, including couples with children at 36.7%, couples without children at 23.3%, and single parent families at 9.2%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average.

Colonel Light Gardens shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Colonel Light Gardens, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher at 39.7%, compared to South Australia's state average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's average of 28.1%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents, bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 10.9% of residents and certificates held by 16.3%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% enrolled in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Colonel Light Gardens has 87 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 52 different routes that together facilitate 3,244 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 188 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 463 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Colonel Light Gardens's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Colonel Light Gardens shows a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions among its residents compared to the general population. However, this prevalence is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts.

As of 2021, approximately 56% (~9,037 people) have private health cover, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 58.5%. The most common conditions are mental health issues (7.8%) and arthritis (7.6%), with 70.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments compared to 69.3% in Greater Adelaide. As of the same year, 18.3% (2,948 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Adelaide's 21.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Colonel Light Gardens was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Colonel Light Gardens has a higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 20.2% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Colonel Light Gardens, accounting for 44.1% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 2.3% of Colonel Light Gardens' population versus 1.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.4%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (7.2%). Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 3.8%, compared to the regional average of 2.5%. German ethnicity stands at 5.6% in Colonel Light Gardens, slightly lower than the regional average of 5.9%. Polish ethnicity is equally represented in both areas, at 1.0%.

Colonel Light Gardens's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Colonel Light Gardens is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years, but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 13.1% of the population in Colonel Light Gardens, compared to Greater Adelaide. The 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 12.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.9% to 5.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.5% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Colonel Light Gardens. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 81%, reaching 814 people from 450. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.