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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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Lockleys has an estimated 14,338 residents, up from 13,452 at the 2021 Census — a change of 886 people, or 6.6%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 96.3% of that increase. That puts 2,515 residents on each square kilometre. 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 the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Lockleys is approximately 14,338 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 886 people (6.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 13,452 residents. This shift is calculated from the ABS estimated resident population of 14,336 as of June 2025 and 81 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 2,515 persons per square kilometer, positioning it in the top quartile of all evaluated national locations. The 6.6% post-census growth of Lockleys is within 0.9 percentage points of the state average (7.5%), showing competitive expansion.
The main driver of population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 96.3% of the total population gains in recent times. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For SA2 areas without this coverage, or for years after 2032, regional/LGA projections by age from the SA State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used, adjusted by weighting population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these anticipated demographic shifts, the area is projected to experience population growth above the median of Australian statistical areas, growing by 1,980 persons to 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP figures, which translates to a total increase of 13.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
404 new dwellings have been approved in Lockleys over the past five years, an average of 80 a year. That places the area in the 73rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 58 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 67% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 78, broadly in line with 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
Around 80 residential approvals are granted in Lockleys annually, with 404 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 72 recorded so far in FY-26. An average of 1.7 people moved to the area for every new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating balanced supply and demand conditions that support market stability, with new properties built at an average value of $310,000. Furthermore, $34.7 million in commercial development approvals have been logged during this financial year, pointing to strong local business investment.
Relative to Greater Adelaide, per capita construction activity in Lockleys is 10.0% lower, though it ranks in the 73rd percentile of locations evaluated across the nation. Recent building activity consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a growing range of medium-density choices that offer diverse options across different price points, ranging from traditional family homes to more affordable compact dwellings. There are approximately 184 people per dwelling approval, showing a growing market. Future estimates indicate that Lockleys will add 1,978 residents by 2041 (starting from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current rates of construction appear to align well with future demand, helping to maintain stable market conditions without generating significant upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Lockleys
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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 44 current infrastructure and development projects close to Lockleys, worth an estimated $4.15 billion. 15 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation 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, major works, and urban planning decisions can significantly influence the performance of a suburb. AreaSearch has identified 3 active projects likely to impact the local area. Key developments include Project Flight - Adelaide Airport Terminal Expansion, the Harbour Town Premium Outlets Adelaide Expansion, the Henley Beach Road Visioning Project, and the North South Corridor, with details provided on those most relevant to the suburb.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Southwark Grounds
A 1 billion dollar urban renewal project transforming the historic 8.4-hectare former West End Brewery site. The development features approximately 1,300 diverse homes including at least 20 percent affordable housing. The masterplan preserves the heritage-listed 1886 Brew Tower and Copper Pots while creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct with 1,000 jobs, retail spaces, and over 4 hectares of public open space including the River Torrens Linear Park.
Grange Road, Holbrooks Road and East Avenue Intersection Upgrade
Major realignment and upgrade of the Grange Road, Holbrooks Road, and East Avenue intersection to remove a notorious dogleg. The project involves widening Grange Road, creating a four-way intersection to improve traffic flow, and installing new traffic signals, dedicated bicycle lanes, and four upgraded pedestrian crossings. This upgrade is a critical part of the T2D Broader Network Upgrades to support traffic flow during North-South Corridor construction.
Findon Energy Storage Facility
The Findon Energy Storage Facility is a utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed for the western suburbs of Adelaide. The project aims to enhance grid stability by storing renewable energy and providing fast-frequency response services. It is designed to mitigate local network constraints and support the transition to a high-renewable energy grid in South Australia.
Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Proposed upgrade and expansion of the existing Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre including additional retail tenancies and improved parking.
Henley Beach Road Visioning Project
City of West Torrens long-term main street renewal for an approximately 3 km corridor between Airport Road and the Bakewell Underpass. The Vision and five Guiding Principles were adopted by council and completed in January 2025. Implementation is now underway in phases: Stage 1 of the Thebarton Theatre upgrade is complete, Jervois Street has been upgraded with wider footpaths, a traffic and parking study is in progress, shopfront activation works are underway, and a pop-up piazza is being investigated.The vision targets a cosmopolitan, people-friendly boulevard celebrating cultural diversity, improved public transport, green space, and pedestrian access.
Frank Norton Reserve Redevelopment
A major redevelopment project for the Frank Norton Reserve, set to begin in late January 2025. This project focuses on enhancing community recreation facilities and public spaces.
North South Corridor
The North-South Corridor in Australia, a 78 km non-stop motorway from Gawler to Old Noarlunga through Adelaide, includes several projects like the Southern Expressway and Darlington Upgrade. Completion expected by 2031.
Thebarton Theatre Complex Redevelopment
An upgrade of the iconic State heritage-listed Thebarton Theatre Complex. The redevelopment aims to conserve its unique heritage values while enhancing its ongoing use as a working entertainment venue, including improved accessibility, new entry lobby, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and operational improvements. Construction is underway, with Stage 1 expected to complete by mid-late 2025, and the theatre set to reopen in October 2025.
8,421 residents of Lockleys are employed, from a labour force of 8,603. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 71.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 12,551, about 88% 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
Lockleys is characterized by a highly educated workforce, strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.1%, and an estimated 7.0% growth in employment over the past year. In March 2026, 8,421 local residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is relatively typical, standing at 71.2% compared to 66.6% in Greater Adelaide. Census figures indicate that a low proportion of residents (11.0%) worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns. The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.
In contrast, manufacturing has a smaller footprint, accounting for 5.8% of employment compared to 7.0% across the region. As a predominantly residential suburb, local employment opportunities appear limited, as shown by the comparison of the Census working population against the resident population. AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 7.0% while the labour force expanded by 6.0%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, the labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment decrease by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 provide further context for future demand in Lockleys. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local employment structure to project growth trends. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these industry-specific projections to the employment mix in Lockleys suggests local employment could grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Lockleys is $1,635 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $827 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,489 a year against an average of $67,768. 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 ATO postcode data released for financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in the Lockleys SA2 is $55,489, with an average of $67,768. These figures are close to the national average and compare to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 would be roughly $61,132 for the median and $74,660 for the average. Based on the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Lockleys are modest, ranking between the 43rd and 54th percentiles.
In terms of distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, containing 31.5% of residents (4,516 people), which aligns with the broader region where 31.8% of the population falls into this range. Discretionary income after housing expenses stands at 85.7% of total income, and the area ranks in the 6th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Lockleys had 5,468 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 68% detached houses and 19% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 32% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,800 a month. Rent absorbs 18.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing structure in Lockleys consisted of 68.1% standalone houses and 31.9% other dwelling types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across metro Adelaide. Home ownership in Lockleys was higher than the Adelaide metro rate at 35.0%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (32.7%) or rented (32.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the suburb was $1,800, notably higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to metro Adelaide's median of $320.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Lockleys are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are considerably lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Lockleys counted 5,468 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 5,828 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the majority of homes at 64.8%, comprising couples with children (29.8%), couples without children (24.8%), and single parent families (8.8%). Non-family households account for the remaining 35.2%, consisting of lone person households (30.9%) and group households (4.4%). The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
33.6% of adults in Lockleys hold a university qualification, including 22.4% with a bachelor degree and 8.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 18.9% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 1,869 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,053 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
The educational attainment in the area is notable within the region, with university qualification rates (33.6% of residents aged 15+) higher than the SA average of 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide average of 28.9%, indicating a strong focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational and technical skills are also well represented, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications such as advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (18.9%). Engagement in education is high, with 26.2% of residents enrolled in study.
This includes 8.4% in primary schools, 6.3% in tertiary institutions, and 5.7% in secondary schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Lockleys reaches 58 stops on 36 routes, timetabled for about 2,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of public transport options reveals 58 active stops within Lockleys, which are serviced by buses. These stops support 36 distinct routes, which combine to deliver 2,538 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 187 meters from their nearest stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the area to commute; driving remains the primary method at 84%, while 10% travel by bus. Households own an average of 1.3 vehicles. A relatively low proportion of residents (11.0%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions at the time.
Services average 362 runs per day across all routes, which averages out to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.7% of residents in Lockleys report no long-term health condition. 5.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators show favorable outcomes for Lockleys residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and medical conditions indicates results that align with national averages, with standard rates of health conditions observed across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, held by approximately 53% of the population (~7,541 people). Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the suburb, affecting 7.6% and 6.7% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.7% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide.
The working-age population is particularly healthy with low rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.7% of the population (2,970 people), which is higher than the Greater Adelaide figure of 19.2%. Senior residents exhibit above-average health outcomes, with national rankings in line with the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.6% of Lockleys residents were born overseas and 32.0% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (20.5%) and Australian (19.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Lockleys exhibits a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.6% of residents born outside Australia and 32.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, accounting for 53.1% of the population. The most prominent divergence from regional averages is in the Other religious category, which represents 3.8% of residents compared to 1.8% in Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental ancestry, the largest groups in Lockleys are English at 20.5% (lower than the regional average of 27.8%), Australian at 19.1%, and Other at 12.2%. Certain ethnic heritages show higher representation compared to the wider region: Greek ancestry represents 6.5% of Lockleys (compared to 2.0% regionally), Italian ancestry is at 10.9% (compared to 5.2% regionally), and Serbian ancestry is at 0.7% (compared to 0.4% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Lockleys is 40. 26.7% 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 in Lockleys is close to the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and slightly higher than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 demographic has a strong presence at 16.0% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 15 - 24 age group is less represented at 10.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 15.1% to 16.0%, while the 55 to 64 bracket decreased from 12.3% to 11.1%. Long-term forecasts to 2041 suggest major shifts, led by a 50% expansion in the 75 to 84 cohort, which is expected to rise from 966 to 1,452 residents (an increase of 485 people).
The combined 65 and over groups will make up 52% of all population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the suburb. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to decrease by 4 children.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Lockleys
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 — 81 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (13,452 at the 2021 Census → 14,338 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 (404031106). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.