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 February 2026, Largs Bay - Semaphore's population is approximately 15,763. This represents an increase of 956 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,807. The growth from June 2024 to February 2026 was inferred using ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 15,627 and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,345 persons per square kilometer, placing Largs Bay - Semaphore in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 6.5% since the census is within 2.5 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 9.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth 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 by age category are used, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate that Largs Bay - Semaphore is expected to grow by just below the median rate of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area's population is projected to increase by 1,185 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 6.7% over the 17-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 annually between FY21-FY25. A total of 446 homes were approved during these years, with an additional 121 approved in FY26 as of the current date. On average, around 1.6 new residents moved into the area for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25.

This balance suggests stable market conditions, while the average construction value of new properties was approximately $271,000. In FY26, commercial approvals amounted to $14.9 million, indicating moderate commercial development activity. Comparatively, Largs Bay-Semaphore had roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per capita compared to Greater Adelaide between FY21 and FY25. Nationally, it ranked at approximately the 65th percentile for areas assessed during this period. The area's new building activity showed a mix of 34.0% detached dwellings and 66.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards compact living that caters to affordability requirements and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time homebuyers.

Currently, Largs Bay-Semaphore has around 283 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain approximately 1,049 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections and offering favorable conditions for buyers.

Largs Bay - Semaphore has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Major projects include Fletcher's Slip, Dock One, Centre St, Largs Bay, and Our Port. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Largs Bay - Semaphore ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Largs Bay - Semaphore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in September 2025, which is 0.2% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%.

As of September 2025, there were 9,074 residents in work and workforce participation was 70.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses showed that 10.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area specializes particularly in public administration & safety with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3% while labour force increased by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Largs Bay - Semaphore SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,427 and an average of $70,072. This is above the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,745 (median) and $76,238 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($858 weekly), while household income is at the 40th percentile. The earnings profile shows 32.4% of residents (5,107 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The 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

Dwelling structure in Largs Bay - Semaphore, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.8% houses and 30.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Largs Bay - Semaphore was 30.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (29.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Largs Bay - Semaphore was $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Largs Bay - Semaphore's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. 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 most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 24.7%.

A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 5.8% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 71 active transport stops operating within Largs Bay - Semaphore. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 34 individual routes collectively providing 2,832 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, while train accounts for 8%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 404 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Largs Bay - Semaphore faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The area has approximately 54% private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Only 64.0% of residents declare themselves 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 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,332 people), higher than the 19.3% 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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 80.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 40.5%. Islam's representation was notable at 0.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

The top ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (8.7%). Polish (1.1% vs regional 1.0%), German (5.4% vs 5.1%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%) were overrepresented.

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

Largs Bay - Semaphore's median age is 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years has a strong representation at 17.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. In post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.7% to 6.3%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has grown from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 14.9% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Largs Bay - Semaphore's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 479 residents, reaching a total of 1,477. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 78% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 age group and the 0 to 4 age cohort.