Light
Statistical Area - sa2

Light lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Light's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,682. This figure represents an increase of 885 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,797. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,534 in June 2024 and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 9.6 persons per square kilometer. Light's growth rate of 9.0% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (6.8%) and state averages, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being 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, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Population projections indicate an above median growth for Australia's regional areas, with Light expected to expand by 1,978 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 17.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Light among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Light has recorded approximately 61 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 307 homes. As of FY26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating healthy demand which supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $221,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $29.0 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Light has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although development activity has moderated recently. All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 262 people per approval, Light reflects a transitioning market. By 2041, it is expected to grow by 1,830 residents. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Light has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Freeling West Code Amendment, Barossa Lifestyle (Barossa Co-op Redevelopment), Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, and Sovereign Estate. The following list 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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 5,274 employed residents, which is 1.8% below Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is higher at 62.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing employs 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 11.0% locally, below Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, but employment decreased by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw a 1.2% contraction in employment and a 1.2% increase in unemployment over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) suggest Light's local growth could be approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Light's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $51,282. The average income stood at $59,125 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of SA's median and average incomes were $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, current estimates for Light's median income would be approximately $57,861 as of September 2025, with the average estimated at $66,711 during that month. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Light rank at the 34th percentile, family incomes at the 35th percentile, and personal incomes at the 38th percentile. The income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 35.7% of residents (3,813 people). This aligns with the region where this cohort likewise represents 27.5%. Housing costs are manageable in Light, with 87.9% retained. However, disposable income ranks below average at the 43rd percentile.

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

Light's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 97.3% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Light stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.9% and rented ones at 14.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,328, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,400. The median weekly rent figure in Light was $260, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Light's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,328 versus Australia's 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.5.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, including primary education (12.6%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (4.4%).

Light's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,273 students and offer balanced educational opportunities typical of Australian schools (ICSEA: 987). The area is served by 4 primary and 1 secondary school catering to distinct age groups.

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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population, which consists of around 5,244 people.

This figure is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, which is similar to the figure across Rest of SA at 64.6%. The area has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over, comprising around 2,105 people, which is lower than the 22.8% 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. 88.8% of its population were born in Australia, with 91.9% being citizens and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Light, comprising 45.1% of people, compared to 47.1% across the rest of South Australia.

The top three represented ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (32.3%), and German (12.2%). Notably, Welsh and Dutch ethnicities were overrepresented in Light at 0.5% and 1.2%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 1.3%.

Light's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Light's median age is 40 years, which 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 percentage of residents aged 15-24 (12.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 11.0% to 12.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 12.9% to 11.7%, and the percentage of those aged 55-64 has dropped from 14.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, Light is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 75-84 age group, which is projected to grow by 81%, adding 512 people and reaching a total of 1,143 from 630. The 55-64 age group is expected to display more modest growth, with an increase of just 1% and the addition of only 21 residents.