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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Light has an estimated 10,646 residents, up from 9,797 at the 2021 Census — a change of 849 people, or 8.7%. Growth has averaged 1.6% a year over five years. 168 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 74.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch, there are approximately 10,646 residents in Light as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 849 individuals (8.7%) from the 9,797 residents documented in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated from the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 10,631, combined with 168 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 9.6 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment. With an 8.7% expansion rate post-2021, the area expanded faster than both the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the broader SA4 region, positioning it as a regional growth leader.
Domestic migration between states was the principal driver of these gains, accounting for about 74.0% of the growth, though natural increases and overseas arrivals also registered positive contributions. Projections published in 2024 by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data or for periods after 2032, calculations rely on the 2023 SA State Government projections by age group, which used 2021 as a base, adjusted through a weighted process that aggregates population growth from LGA down to SA2 boundaries. Future projections indicate that population growth in this area will exceed the median of regional localities nationwide, with the population projected to grow by 1,931 individuals by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, which translates to a total increase of 18.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
307 new dwellings have been approved in Light over the past five years, an average of 61 a year. That places the area in the 72nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 41 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 28, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of 61 residential building approvals are registered annually in Light, generating 307 new dwellings over the previous 5 fiscal periods. For FY-26, 26 approvals have been logged so far. An average ratio of 2.6 new occupants per dwelling annually was recorded over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, pointing to stable demand that underpins property values. New residential builds carry an average construction cost of $221,000, aligning with general regional levels. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $29.0 million this fiscal year, indicating robust local business activity.
Building rates per capita in Light remain comparable to the Rest of SA, maintaining a balanced property market that mirrors the wider region despite a recent slowdown in construction activity. Current building approvals consist entirely of single-family detached homes, reinforcing a spacious lifestyle profile that appeals to buyers seeking land. The ratio of approximately 266 individuals per approved dwelling highlights an expanding local market. Based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, Light is projected to add 1,916 new residents by 2041. Although residential construction is keeping pace with this projected growth, prospective home buyers could face higher competition as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Light
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Light, worth an estimated $63 million. A further 93 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $24.1 billion. 43 are already under construction and 49 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 key projects likely to affect the region. The list below highlights the most relevant developments, which include the Freeling West Code Amendment, Barossa Lifestyle (Barossa Co-op Redevelopment), Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, and Sovereign Estate.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Freeling West Code Amendment
Code Amendment to rezone approximately 20 hectares of Rural Zoned land on the western side of Freeling, between Templers Road and Stockport Road adjacent to Derby Street, to the Suburban Neighbourhood Zone. The amendment is intended to enable a new low density residential neighbourhood of around 185 to 250 housing allotments, with a concept plan showing new local streets, linear open space along the existing creek, pedestrian and cycle links, stormwater detention areas and upgraded access to Templers Road and Stockport Road.The amendment was initiated on 21 March 2024, and the first round of public consultation ran from 1 October 2025 to 26 November 2025. It is now progressing to the Determination stage. Walton Rural Pty Ltd is the proponent (designated entity), with MasterPlan SA engaged to prepare the amendment and lead community consultation.
Kidman Rise
Kidman Rise is a residential land estate on the northern edge of Kapunda, offering large lots ranging from 437m2 to 1045m2, oriented for northern sun. Situated an hour from Adelaide, between Clare and Barossa valleys. The land has historical connection to Sidney Kidman.
George Street Estate, Williamstown
George Street Estate is a proposed 6.22 hectare residential subdivision on Lot 9 George Street in Williamstown, within The Barossa Council area. The land has been marketed as one of the last major land development opportunities in the town, with concept plans showing a new house and land estate subject to council approval and planning consent. The site has been sold but remains listed as in planning, with no confirmed named developer; SA Homes & Acreage has acted as the selling and marketing agent for the land.
Barossa Lifestyle (Barossa Co-op Redevelopment)
A redevelopment project transforming the 'Barossa Home Living' building in Nuriootpa into 'Barossa Lifestyle', a modern retail store. The project aims to bring together top brands, diverse products, and enhance customer experience. Full completion is expected by June 2025.
Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy
The Barossa Council's 30-year Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy coordinates land use planning, infrastructure priorities and growth management across the Barossa while protecting the region's wine, food, tourism, heritage and lifestyle character. Council authorised the Phase 1 strategy on 18 March 2025 after consultation. Phase 1 focuses on residential infill in Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Angaston, infrastructure priorities and housing supply, while some tourism and employment proposals continue to Phase 2 investigations. The related Concordia Growth Area is now a major delivery focus after State Government finalisation of the Code Amendment and concept plan in September 2025, with infrastructure planning for about 12,000 homes and more than 30,000 residents over 30 years.
Sovereign Estate
A residential land release development in Tanunda offering various sized allotments for new homes within walking distance to the town centre and surrounded by vineyards.
Gembrook Estate
A significant premium land release master-planned community in Tanunda, offering spacious, title-ready allotments. It boasts panoramic views of the Barossa Ranges and is located near Faith Lutheran Private School, minutes from world-class wineries. Stages 1 and 2 are nearly sold out, with Stages 3 & 4 now available.
Kroemer Crossing Roundabout Upgrade
Improvement of safety and access at Kroemer's Crossing, Tanunda, by installing a roundabout to improve safety for all road users and allow greater freight access to surrounding businesses. This $6 million project was funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments, The Barossa Council, and Pernod Ricard Winemakers Pty Ltd.
5,507 residents of Light are employed, from a labour force of 5,653. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 65.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 9,527, about 89% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is evenly distributed between professional and industrial roles, featuring strong representation in manufacturing, a low unemployment rate of 2.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.8% over the prior year. In March 2026, 5,507 local residents were employed, and the unemployment rate sat 2.9% lower than the Regional SA benchmark of 5.5%. Workforce participation was high at 65.0% compared to 58.4% across Regional SA. Census records indicate that only 10.6% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure reflects historical pandemic lockdown conditions. The resident workforce is heavily concentrated in the fields of manufacturing, health care & social assistance, along with agriculture, forestry & fishing.
Manufacturing shows a high degree of local specialization, with its share of employment reaching 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less prominent here, employing 11.0% of the workforce compared to 14.5% in Regional SA. A comparison between the working population recorded during the Census and the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited within the area. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the number of employed persons grew by 3.8% while the overall labor force expanded by 3.5%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. By comparison, Regional SA experienced a 1.2% rise in employment and a 2.6% increase in the labor force, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National occupational projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 provide context for local demand prospects. These five-year and ten-year national outlooks were applied to the local workforce composition to estimate growth trends. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though prospects vary by sector. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto the local employment structure indicates that local jobs could increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, noting that this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Light is $1,544 a week (about $80,000 a year), with median personal income at $729 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,341 a year against an average of $62,270. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 fiscal year, incomes in the Light SA2 sit below the national average, recording a median income of $53,341 and an average of $62,270. In comparison, Regional SA registered a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since the 2023 fiscal year yields estimated values of approximately $58,766 for the median and $68,603 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census ranked household, family, and individual incomes in Light modest, placing them in the 34th to 38th percentiles.
Looking at the distribution of earnings, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket contains 35.7% of the population (3,800 people), compared to 27.5% in the broader region. Residents retain 87.9% of their income after housing expenses, though overall disposable income ranks below average at the 43rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Light had 3,487 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 49% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $260 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,328 a month. Rent absorbs 16.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Light at the time of the last Census consisted of 97.3% standalone houses and 2.8% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership rates in Light lagged behind Regional SA at 36.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (48.9%) or rented (14.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,328 was notably higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was $260 compared to the Regional SA average of $220. By national standards, monthly mortgage payments in Light are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Light counted 3,487 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,789 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 75.2%, which is made up of couples with children at 32.8%, couples without children at 31.6%, and single parents at 10.3%. The remaining 24.8% are non-family households, consisting of single-person households at 22.7% and group homes at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.6 individuals is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.7% of adults in Light hold a university qualification, including 12.2% with a bachelor degree and 1.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.6% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 1,273 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 987 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels present local educational challenges, as university qualification rates (15.7%) fall well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort at 12.2%, with postgraduate degrees at 1.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (31.6%). School enrollment is quite high, with 29.5% of the local population currently engaged in study. This group includes 12.6% in primary school, 7.6% in high school, and 4.4% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Light means driving: households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.8% of residents in Light report no long-term health condition. 5.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
The region faces distinct public health challenges, as indicated by mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses among both young and old cohorts, alongside a low rate of private health insurance, which covers only about 50% of the population (~5,365 people) compared to the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 9.8% and 9.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age population, posing notable health challenges.
Residents aged 65 and older represent 20.6% of the population (2,192 people), which is lower than the Regional SA average of 27.1%, and national rankings for chronic conditions in this cohort are higher than general population benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Light is largely Australian-born, at 88.8% of residents, with 2.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.5%) and Australian (32.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Light is lower than average, with 88.8% of the population born in Australia, 91.9% holding citizenship, and 97.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 45.1% of residents, which is comparable to the 45.2% recorded across Regional SA. Regarding family heritage, English ancestry is claimed by 32.5% of the population, Australian by 32.3%, and German by 12.2%. Some specific groups show distinct representation, with Welsh ancestry recorded at 0.5% (equal to the 0.5% regional average) and Dutch ancestry at 1.2% (compared to 1.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Light is 40. 24.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 40 years in Light is lower than the Regional SA median of 47, while slightly higher than the national median of 38. Light has a larger proportion of young adults aged 15 - 24 (12.7%) but a smaller proportion of seniors aged 75 - 84 (6.5%) relative to Regional SA. Post-2021, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 5.0% to 6.5%, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 11.0% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.9% to 11.2%, and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 14.9% to 13.4%.
By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to change the age profile of the area. The 75 to 84 age bracket is projected to grow by 69% (472 people), rising from 686 to 1,159, while the 55 to 64 group will experience minimal growth of 3%, adding only 42 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Light
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 168 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (9,797 at the 2021 Census → 10,646 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (405011111). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.