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

As of February 2026, Colonel Light Gardens' population is approximately 16,155. This figure represents an increase of 313 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,842. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 16,119, with an additional 13 validated new addresses contributing to the growth. This results in a population density ratio of 2,389 persons per square kilometer, placing Colonel Light Gardens in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. 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, and adopts South Australian Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by 663 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 3.9% over the 17-year period.

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 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 186 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.5 new residents arrive annually for each new home built over these five years.

The average construction value of new properties is $333,000. This financial year has seen $131.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Colonel Light Gardens exhibits around 68% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 42nd percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options but increasing demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 69.0% standalone homes and 31.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets.

With around 389 people per dwelling approval, Colonel Light Gardens displays a developed market. By 2041, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects an increase of 627 residents in the area. Current construction levels are expected to meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding current population growth forecasts.

Colonel Light Gardens has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include SA Health's "Building a Bigger Health System in the South" (Daw Park Urgent Care Hub and other upgrades), Tram Grade Separation Projects, Springbank Road Pedestrian Actuated Crossing, and Hotel Panorama. The following list details those most pertinent:.

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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 as of September 2025. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of just 1.7% and estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is higher at 72.3%.

According to Census responses, 14.3% of residents work from home. 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.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 3.4%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.5% over ten years for Colonel Light Gardens, though these are simple extrapolations based on industry-specific projections.

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 $59,526 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The average income stood at $75,112 during the same period. These figures compared to those of Greater Adelaide were $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $64,764 (median) and $81,722 (average). Census data from 2021 showed that income in Colonel Light Gardens clustered around the 66th percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprised 28.8% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly. Higher earners made up a substantial presence with 31.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 86.8% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Colonel Light Gardens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

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 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Colonel Light Gardens was 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.3% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent was $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Colonel Light Gardens were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Colonel Light Gardens has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.4% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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, 39.7% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the state (SA) average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's average of 28.1%. This high educational attainment is reflected in the area's strong showing for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 10.9% and certificates for 16.3%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% 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 3,238 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 188 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 83%, while buses account for 8% and cycling makes up 3%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 462 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Colonel Light Gardens is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Colonel Light Gardens faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~9,143 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.8% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 70.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. 18.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,038 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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, according to a study, had above average cultural diversity with 20.2% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Colonel Light Gardens, comprising 44.1% of the population. Hinduism, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 2.3% of Colonel Light Gardens' population versus 2.8%.

The top three represented ancestry groups were English at 28.4%, Australian at 24.6%, and Irish at 7.2%. Notable divergences included Greek being overrepresented at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 2.0%, German at 5.6% versus 5.1%, and Polish at 1.0% matching the regional figure.

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 median age of 38 years. In the 2016 Census, the 45-54 age group constituted 12.8% of the population compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 4.9% to 6.2% of the population between the censuses. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 14.5% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Colonel Light Gardens. Notably, the 85+ age group is expected to grow by 81%, reaching 814 people from 449. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 74% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.