Largs Bay - Semaphore
Statistical Area - sa2

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 Aug 2025, Largs Bay - Semaphore's population is approximately 15,682, showing an increase of 875 people since the 2021 Census. This growth reflects a 5.9% rise from the previous census figure of 14,807. The projected population in June 2024 was 15,627, with an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,333 persons per square kilometer, placing Largs Bay - Semaphore in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 5.9% since the census is within 0.8 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 6.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth, contributing approximately 69.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch uses 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, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by approximately 1,185 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of around 7.2% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Largs Bay - Semaphore among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Largs Bay-Semaphore has seen approximately 89 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 446 homes have been approved, with an additional 91 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.6 people per year have moved into the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $419,000. In this financial year, $14.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. When compared to Greater Adelaide, Largs Bay-Semaphore records around 69% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 66th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises approximately 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 70.0% houses.

The location has about 283 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. By 2041, Largs Bay-Semaphore is projected to grow by 1,130 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Largs Bay - Semaphore has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact a certain area. Notable ones include Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct, Fletcher's Slip, Dock One Residential Development, and Centre St, Largs Bay. The following details the most relevant projects.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Largs Bay - Semaphore maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Largs Bay - Semaphore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year.

There were 8,978 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stood at 64.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area has a specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 16.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, labour force by 3.3%, raising unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% with marginal unemployment rise. State-level data to Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with state unemployment at 4.5%, matching the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Largs Bay - Semaphore's employment mix indicates local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch reports that based on ATO data released for financial year 2022, Largs Bay - Semaphore had a median income among taxpayers of $56,862 and an average level of $67,180. This is slightly higher than the national average and compares to median levels of $52,592 and average levels of $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Considering a 10.83% growth in wages since financial year 2022, current estimates for Largs Bay - Semaphore would be approximately $63,020 (median) and $74,456 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($858 weekly), while household income sits at the 40th percentile. Income analysis shows that 32.4% of locals (5,080 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% also occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Largs Bay - Semaphore displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

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 homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is similar to Adelaide metro's figures of 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Largs Bay-Semaphore stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in the area was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Largs Bay-Semaphore's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $320 compared to Australia's figure of $375.

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 constitute the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in Largs Bay - Semaphore aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

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 (17.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 24.7%.

A substantial 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 5.8% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education. The area has 5 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,985 students. It demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1000) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 12.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 8.9, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

Transport servicing is moderate 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. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, collectively providing 944 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 134 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Largs Bay-Semaphore faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 53% of its total population (~8,374 people) has private health cover, compared to 49.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (10.0%) and arthritis (9.3%), while 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,194 people), higher than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 0.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (8.7%). Polish, German, and Welsh showed notable divergences in their representations: Polish at 1.1% (vs regional 1.4%), German at 5.4% (vs 4.5%), and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Largs Bay - Semaphore hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Largs Bay - Semaphore's median age is 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 17.2% of its population, compared to Greater Adelaide's percentage and significantly more than the national average of 11.2%. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. According to the post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.7% to 6.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Largs Bay - Semaphore's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 57%, adding 534 residents to reach a total of 1,477. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 82% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. However, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 15-24 cohorts.