Largs Bay - Semaphore

Largs Bay - Semaphore 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 May 2026, Largs Bay - Semaphore's population is around 15,778, reflecting a 971 person increase (6.6%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,807 people. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 15,765 in June 2025 and an additional 298 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,347 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Largs Bay - Semaphore's growth rate of 6.6% since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the state average (7.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area. 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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by approximately 1,084 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 6.8% over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Largs Bay - Semaphore when compared nationally

Largs Bay - Semaphore averaged approximately 89 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling 446 homes. By June 2026163 approvals had been recorded in this financial year alone. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated about 1.6 new residents annually. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions with an average construction value of $271,000 per dwelling.

Additionally, commercial approvals amounted to $14.9 million in the current financial year, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Largs Bay - Semaphore has about three-quarters the building activity per capita and ranks at approximately the 65th percentile nationally among assessed areas. The new building activity primarily comprises townhouses or apartments (66.0%) and detached dwellings (34.0%), reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 70.0% houses, likely due to reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands. Currently, there are approximately 283 people per dwelling approval in the area, leaving room for further growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Largs Bay - Semaphore is projected to gain 1,071 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Largs Bay - Semaphore has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Fletcher's Slip, Dock One, Centre St, Largs Bay, and Our Port, as detailed in the following list for 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Largs Bay - Semaphore well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Largs Bay - Semaphore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in December 2025, which is 0.6% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.8%.

As of December 2025, there were 9,289 residents in work and workforce participation was 71.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 10.8% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 16.4% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 6.8% and labour force increased by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Largs Bay - Semaphore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. In Largs Bay - Semaphore SA2, median income among taxpayers is $60,427 and average is $70,072. This is above Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. By March 2026, estimates suggest median would be approximately $66,572 and average $77,198, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows personal income at the 60th percentile ($858 weekly) and household income at the 40th percentile. Income analysis reveals 32.4% of locals (5,112 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Largs Bay - Semaphore displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Largs Bay - Semaphore, as per the latest Census, 69.8% of dwellings were houses with 30.2% being other types such as semi-detached and apartments. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Largs Bay - Semaphore was 30.5%, similar to the Adelaide metro average, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was $320, matching the Adelaide metro figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Largs Bay - Semaphore's mortgage repayments were notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Largs Bay - Semaphore features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.4% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Largs Bay - Semaphore shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

University qualification levels in Largs Bay - Semaphore are at 26.3%, slightly below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

This includes advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (24.7%). A significant number, 23.8%, are currently engaged in formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Largs Bay - Semaphore shows that there are 71 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 34 individual routes which collectively facilitate 2,832 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent with residents typically located 171 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation at 85%, while only 8% use the train for commuting.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, a relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages 404 trips per day, translating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Largs Bay - Semaphore is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Largs Bay - Semaphore, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

This is evident across both younger and older age groups, with a notable prevalence of common health conditions. The area has approximately 54% private health cover, which is higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 64.0% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces significant health challenges with high chronic condition rates. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,308 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Largs Bay - Semaphore ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Largs Bay-Semaphore, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 80.9% born in Australia, 91.4% citizens, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 40.5%. Islam was underrepresented at 0.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.3%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (8.7%). Other notable ethnicities included Polish (1.1% vs regional 1.0%), German (5.4% vs 5.1%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%).

Largs Bay - Semaphore hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Largs Bay - Semaphore's median age is 45 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 16.8% of its population, compared to Greater Adelaide's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 9.6%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.7% to 6.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.9% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Largs Bay - Semaphore's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 485 residents to reach 1,489. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 77% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.