West Lakes
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in West Lakes are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

West Lakes' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 16,109, reflecting a growth of 904 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.9% rise from the previous population count of 15,205. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 15,885 in 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 seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Lakes' growth rate of 5.9% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic trends project an above median population growth for national areas. West Lakes is expected to grow by 2,964 persons to reach 2041, recording a total gain of 17.0% over the 17-year period based on the latest 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 FY26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $339,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $61.5 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. New developments consist of 63% standalone homes and 37% attached dwellings, offering options across various price points from family homes to compact living.

With approximately 198 people per approval, West Lakes reflects a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate West Lakes will gain 2,738 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

West Lakes has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, West Lakes Boulevard Infrastructure Enhancement, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, and West Lakes Public Transport Hub. 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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Employment conditions in West Lakes remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

West Lakes has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year.

This rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in West Lakes lags behind Greater Adelaide at 54.4% compared to 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.9% of local workers, lower than Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Lakes' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows median income in West Lakes 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. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,016 and average income would be around $82,725. Census 2021 data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in West Lakes rank modestly, between the 36th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 28.9% of residents (4,655 people) earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually, similar to surrounding regions where this group comprises 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

West Lakes' dwellings, according to the latest Census, consisted of 60.5% houses and 39.5% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Lakes stood at 46.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,867, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Lakes was $320, slightly lower than Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, West Lakes' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,867 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $320 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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

Educational qualifications in West Lakes trail regional benchmarks, with 25.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 23.2%. A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 21.8% engaged in formal learning.

This includes 7.8% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education. West Lakes Shore School and Westport Primary School serve a total of 953 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1038) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 5.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

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 operating, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 35 individual routes, collectively providing 2,100 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 300 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per 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. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (9,021 people), compared to 52.8% in Greater Adelaide.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). 63.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Greater Adelaide. West Lakes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.2% (5,180 people), compared to 20.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

West Lakes has a cultural diversity index that exceeds the average, with 24.0% of its residents 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 the population, compared to 51.6% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are English (28.8%), Australian (22.7%), and Scottish (6.9%).

Notably, Polish (1.7%) and Russian (1.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented in West Lakes compared to the regional averages of 1.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Croatian ethnicity is also slightly more prevalent in West Lakes at 1.2%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%.

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 exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group is particularly prominent, making up 12.2% of the population, compared to the national average of 6%. Conversely, the 25-34 year-old group comprises only 9.5%, which is smaller than in Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.8% to 12.2%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 16.7% to 15.1% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.2% to 12.7%. By 2041, West Lakes is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group 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 65-74 and 0-4 age cohorts.