Light

Population growth drivers in Light are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Light's population is around 10,679 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 882 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,797 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,534 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 164 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 9.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Light's 9.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.4%) and the Rest of SA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 74.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,978 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Light among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Light has averaged around 61 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 307 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.8 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $221,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $29.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Light maintains similar construction rates (per person), keeping market balance consistent with the broader area, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 262 people per dwelling approval, Light shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Light is expected to grow by 1,833 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Light has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Freeling West Code Amendment, Barossa Lifestyle (Barossa Co-op Redevelopment), Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, and Sovereign Estate, 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.

The labour market in Light shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Light features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 2.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,447 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.8% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (65.1% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 11.0% of Light's workforce compared to 14.5% in Regional SA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.8% while the labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Light. 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 Light's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Light SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $53,341 while the average income stands at $62,270. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,035 (median) and $67,750 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Light, between the 34th and 38th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.7% of the community (3,812 individuals), mirroring the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 87.9% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 43rd percentile.

Light is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Light, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.3% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Light lagged that of Regional SA, at 36.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (48.9%) or rented (14.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional SA average at $1,328, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Light's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Light has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.2% of all households, comprising 32.8% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Light fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Light faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,382 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.8% and 9.5% of residents, respectively, while 64.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,192 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Light placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Light was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Light is Christianity, which makes up 45.1% of people in Light, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Light are English, comprising 32.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, and German, comprising 12.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is represented at 0.5% of Light (vs 0.5% regionally) and Dutch at 1.2% (vs 1.3%).

Light's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Light's median age of 40 years stands significantly below Regional SA's 47 while slightly above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional SA, Light has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (12.5%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (6.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.2% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.8%. By 2041, Light is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 68% (461 people), reaching 1,143 from 681. The 55 to 64 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 34 residents.