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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Largs Bay - Semaphore's population is around 15,763 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 956 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,807 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,627 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,345 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Largs Bay - Semaphore's 6.5% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the state (9.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 69.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,185 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Largs Bay - Semaphore has averaged around 89 new dwelling approvals per year, with 446 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 122 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $271,000. Additionally, $14.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Largs Bay - Semaphore has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places within the 65th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity shows 34.0% detached dwellings and 66.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 70.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 283 people per dwelling approval, Largs Bay - Semaphore shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Largs Bay - Semaphore will gain 1,049 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Fletcher's Slip, Dock One, Centre St, Largs Bay, and Our Port, 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.

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, an unemployment rate of only 3.2%, and 6.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,289 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (71.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 16.4% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. The predominantly residential 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 6.8% while the labour force increased by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide, where employment rose by 4.2%, the labour force grew 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 Largs Bay - Semaphore. 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 Largs Bay - Semaphore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Largs Bay - Semaphore SA2's median income among taxpayers is $60,427, with an average of $70,072. This is just above the national average, and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,745 (median) and $76,238 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($858 weekly), while household income sits at the 40th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents (5,107 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile, and 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 within Largs Bay - Semaphore, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.8% houses and 30.2% 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 Largs Bay - Semaphore was in line with that of Adelaide metro, at 30.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (29.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Adelaide metro average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Largs Bay - Semaphore's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 62.4% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people 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

At 26.3%, university qualification levels in Largs Bay - Semaphore sit marginally below the Australian average of 30.4%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (24.7%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues 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

Public transport analysis reveals 71 active transport stops operating within Largs Bay - Semaphore, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 34 individual routes, collectively providing 2,832 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Largs Bay - Semaphore, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,496 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.0 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 64.0% 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 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,332 people), which is 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Largs Bay - Semaphore is Christianity, which makes up 40.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 3.0% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Largs Bay - Semaphore are English, comprising 31.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Largs Bay - Semaphore (vs 1.0% regionally), German at 5.4% (vs 5.1%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

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

At 45 years, Largs Bay - Semaphore's median age is considerably higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and also substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 17.2% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.7% to 6.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Largs Bay - Semaphore's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 48%, adding 479 residents to reach 1,477. Senior residents (65+) will drive 78% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts.