Happy Valley
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Happy Valley's population was approximately 14,438 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 574 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,864. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,421 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,419 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Happy Valley's growth rate of 4.1% since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.8%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration drivers also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected by 2041. The area is projected to gain 1,122 persons by this year, representing an overall increase of 7.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Happy Valley recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Happy Valley has recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 135 approvals across the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, with two so far in FY-26. An average of 3.9 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five financial years. Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000. This year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Happy Valley records markedly lower building activity, 61.0% below the regional average per person, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 633 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Happy Valley will gain 1,105 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Happy Valley has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the area. Notable projects include Happy Valley Drive Intersections Upgrade, Balee Park Upgrade in Happy Valley, Flinders Medical Centre Acute Services Building, and Urban Creek Resilience and Recovery Project - Sauerbier and Homestead Creeks. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Happy Valley well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Happy Valley has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. In June 2025, 7,798 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force increased by 2.7%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, aligning with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Happy Valley's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

In financial year 2022, Happy Valley had a median income among taxpayers of $53,569 and an average level of $62,049. This is below the national average. In Greater Adelaide, the figures were $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $59,371 (median) and $68,769 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Happy Valley rank modestly, between the 40th and 44th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.6% of the population, or 5,139 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses. Happy Valley's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Happy Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Happy Valley's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's figures of 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Happy Valley stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.9% and rented ones at 12.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,452. The median weekly rent figure in Happy Valley was $355, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Happy Valley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Happy Valley has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.8% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational attainment in Happy Valley aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Happy Valley trail regional benchmarks; 21.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (28.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.6% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education. Educational provision includes Happy Valley Primary School and Braeview School, collectively serving 693 students; these schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (4.8 places per 100 residents vs 13.6 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 107 active stops in Happy Valley, with a mix of bus services. These are served by 23 routes, offering 1,155 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is rated excellent, with residents usually 182 meters from the nearest stop.

Services average 165 trips daily across all routes, about 10 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Happy Valley is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Happy Valley faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of the total population (~7,305 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.6% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3 and 8.9% of residents respectively. 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016, 24.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,462 people), which is higher than the 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Happy Valley ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Happy Valley, assessed in terms of cultural diversity, showed a majority population born in Australia at 80.8%, with 93.1% being citizens and 93.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.9% of the population. While Judaism's representation was similar to Greater Adelaide at 0.1%, notable overrepresentation occurred in German ancestry at 6.2%, Dutch at 1.9%, and Welsh at 0.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (35.1%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Happy Valley hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Happy Valley's median age is 42, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly above the national average of 38. The age group of 65-74 is strongly represented at 12.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.5% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Happy Valley's age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 136%, reaching 995 people from the current 421. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 78% of the population increase. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.