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

Light's population was approximately 10,679 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 882 people, a 9.0% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,797. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 10,534 in June 2024 and an additional 164 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 9.6 persons per square kilometer. Light's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (7.4%) and the Rest of SA, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Light expected to expand by 1,978 persons to 2041, reflecting a 17.2% increase over the 17 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Light has averaged approximately 61 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 307 homes. As of FY26, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.8 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $221,000, in line with regional trends.

In the current financial year, $29.0 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Light maintains similar construction rates per capita, preserving market balance consistent with the broader area. However, recent building activity has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 262 people per dwelling approval, Light indicates a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Light is projected to grow by approximately 1,833 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable initiatives include Freeling West Code Amendment, Barossa Lifestyle (Barossa Co-op Redevelopment), Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, and Sovereign Estate. The following details those most relevant.

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 employment environment in Light shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Light features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 5,397 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is 64.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses indicate that 10.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Light has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 11.0% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force increased by 2.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Light's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data shows that in financial year 2023, Light SA2 had a median income of $53,341 and an average income of $62,270. This is lower than the national averages of $58,933 for Rest of SA's median income and $68,933 for its average income. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $58,035 and an average income of around $67,750 in Light SA2, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Light SA2 rank modestly, between the 34th and 38th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income distribution shows that 35.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 87.9% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 43rd percentile.

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

In Light, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's composition of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Light stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 48.9% and rented dwellings making up 14.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,328, exceeding Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in Light averaged $260, compared to $220 in Non-Metro SA. Nationally, Light's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.2% of all households, including 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%, consisting of 22.7% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 31.6%.

Educational participation is 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,382 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. 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), lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population was predominantly born in Australia, with 88.8% holding Australian citizenship and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 45.1% of Light's population, compared to 45.2% across the rest of South Australia.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (32.3%), and German (12.2%). Notably, Welsh ethnicity was overrepresented in Light at 0.5%, compared to 0.5% regionally, while Dutch ethnicity stood at 1.2%, slightly below the regional average of 1.3%.

Light's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Light's median age of 40 years is significantly below Rest of SA's 47 and slightly above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Light has a higher concentration of 15-24 year-olds (12.5%) but fewer 75-84 year-olds (6.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 65-74 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.2%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.8%. By 2041, Light's age composition is expected to change notably. The 75-84 group will lead this demographic shift, growing by 68% (461 people) to reach 1,143 from 681. The 55-64 group will display more modest growth at 2%, adding only 34 residents.