Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills' population is around 7,392 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 517 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,875. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,315 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 235 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 312 persons per square kilometer. Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills' growth rate of 7.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 78.8%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projecting forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth is expected for this area, with a projected increase of 1,622 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.9%.

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

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has received approximately 57 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis, totalling 287 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25 and 18 in FY-26. An average of 2.9 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years. New homes are built at an average cost of $305,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

There has been $1.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills shows 73.0% higher new home approvals per person. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 228 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting a transitioning market.

Future projections indicate Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills will add 1,544 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Noarlunga Hospital Expansion, Onkaparinga Heights Housing Project, and others detailed below.

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

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 5.4% as of June 2021.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. As of June 2025, 3675 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.4%, which is 2.4 percentage points higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is lower at 58.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force increased by 2.7%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data for South Australia as of Sep-25 shows employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9370 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, in line with the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022 shows Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills had a median income among taxpayers of $52,087 and an average income of $59,120. Both figures are below the national averages of $64,886 and $73,319 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% from June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $57,728 (median) and $65,523 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills falls between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 32.9% of locals, with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to broader trends across the region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

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

Housing in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills stood at 31.4%, similar to Adelaide metro, with the rest being mortgaged (50.7%) or rented (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, below Adelaide's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills was $300, compared to Adelaide's $314 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 71.5% of all households, consisting of 28.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households making up 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 33.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary (10.1%), secondary (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.9%). Hackham East Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 219 students as of a recent report. The school has typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 954) and balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 3.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 26 active stops operating in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 6 individual routes, offering a total of 283 weekly passenger trips. Resident accessibility to transport is rated good, with an average distance of 245 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges for Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~3629 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.4% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Around 60.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 21.0% (1553 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors facing health challenges broadly similar to the general population's health profile.

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' cultural diversity is below average. As of the latest data, 80.9% were born in Australia, 90.5% are citizens, and 94.9% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 37.4%.

However, 'Other' religions make up just 0.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, parents born in England comprise 35.8%, Australians 29.1%, and Scots 7.4%. Notably, Germans are slightly overrepresented at 5.6% (vs regional 5.4%), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.7%), and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.8%).

Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years, but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The percentage of the population aged 65-74 is strong at 11.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has a lower representation at 12.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.3% to 13.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 6.7% to 7.9%. However, the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 12.3% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Hackham - Onkaparinga Hills. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 235 people and reaching a total of 1,256 from the current 1,020. In contrast, the 65 to 74 age group shows minimal growth of just 4%, with an increase of 29 people.