Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills

Population growth drivers in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's population is around 7,331 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 456 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,875 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,314 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 243 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 310 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's 6.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 78.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,622 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 21.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has experienced around 57 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 287 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.9 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $167,000 —below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $1.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills records 73.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 228 people per approval, Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills reflects a low density area.

Future projections show Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills adding 1,605 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Onkaparinga Heights, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion, Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project, and Woodcroft College Campus Expansions, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and 5.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,803 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.1% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 8.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.2% employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.5% and the labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. This compares to Greater Adelaide, where employment grew by 4.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.9%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,266 with the average level standing at $60,433. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,129 (median) and $65,751 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills all fall between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 32.9% of the population (2,411 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills was in line with that of Adelaide metro, at 31.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (50.7%) or rented (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Adelaide metro average at $1,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 71.5% of all households, comprising 28.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Greater Adelaide average.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (33.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 283 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 245 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,606 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.4 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 60.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,556 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.9% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is Christianity, which makes up 37.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills are English, comprising 35.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 27.8%, Australian, comprising 29.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 22.8%, and Scottish, comprising 7.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.6% of Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills (vs 5.1% regionally), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.2%) and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.6%).

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and similarly somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 8.3% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 12.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.3% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 31% (253 people), reaching 1,086 from 832. In contrast, the 65 to 74 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6% (48 people).