West Lakes

Population growth drivers in West Lakes are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

West Lakes' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 16,109, marking an increase of 904 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.9% rise from the previous figure of 15,205. The change was inferred using ABS' estimated resident population of 15,885 as of June 2024 and an additional 191 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,884 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Lakes' growth rate is within 1.2 percentage points of the state's (7.1%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.1% to the overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Future demographic trends project above median population growth for national areas. By 2041, West Lakes is expected to grow by approximately 2,964 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.0% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

West Lakes has seen approximately 138 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 694 homes. As of FY26105 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been noted between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $339,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY26, commercial development approvals amount to $61.5 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. New development consists of 63% standalone homes and 37% attached dwellings, offering options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living.

With around 198 people per approval, West Lakes reflects a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Lakes is forecasted to gain 2,738 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

West Lakes has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, West Lakes Public Transport Hub, and West Lakes Tennis Club Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market in West Lakes demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

West Lakes has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. As of September 2025, 7,804 residents are employed while the local unemployment rate is 0.4% below Greater Adelaide's. Workforce participation in West Lakes lags behind Greater Adelaide, at 54.4% compared to 61.7%.

Key industries employing residents are health care & social assistance (13.9%), construction, and education & training. Health care & social assistance employs fewer local workers than the Greater Adelaide average of 17.7%. Over the year to September 2025, employment in West Lakes increased by 4.2% while labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 2.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, favourable compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Lakes' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in West Lakes SA2 was $54,964 and average income was $73,318. This is higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $62,016 and average income will be around $82,725, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since June 2022. Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in West Lakes rank modestly, between the 36th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 28.9% of residents (4,655 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where this group represents 31.8%. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. West Lakes' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

West Lakes displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in West Lakes, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in West Lakes was at 46.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented dwellings at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,867, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for West Lakes was recorded at $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, West Lakes's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Lakes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.9% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in West Lakes aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

West Lakes' residents aged 15+ have 25.1% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.6% holding them - advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (23.2%).

Notably, 21.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.8% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

West Lakes has 99 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes that together facilitate 2100 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 151 meters.

All routes combined operate at an average frequency of 300 trips per day, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Lakes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

West Lakes faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 56% of West Lakes' total population (~9,021 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.8% in Greater Adelaide.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.6% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%). Conversely, 63.7% of West Lakes' residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.9% across Greater Adelaide. West Lakes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.2% (5,180 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 20.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in West Lakes are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in West Lakes was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Lakes has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in West Lakes, accounting for 56.6% of its population, compared to 51.6% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups in West Lakes are English (28.8%), Australian (22.7%), and Scottish (6.9%).

Notably, Polish (1.7%) is overrepresented in West Lakes compared to the regional average of 1.4%, as are Russian (1.0% vs 0.6%) and Croatian (1.2% vs 1.1%) populations.

West Lakes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

West Lakes has a median age of 51 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 12.2% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.5%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 9.8% to 12.2%, while the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 16.7% to 15.1%, and the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 12.7%. By 2041, West Lakes is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 124%, reaching 1,742 people from 778. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 68% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 age group and the 0 to 4 age cohort.