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 is approximately 16,109 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 904 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,205. The growth was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 15,883 in June 2024 and an additional 192 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a 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 0.8 percentage points of the state's rate of 6.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for national areas. West Lakes is expected to grow by 2,964 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 17.0% in total over the 17 years 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 home approvals each year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 694 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25 and 15 so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.2 new residents have arrived per new home over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $510,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

This year has seen $61.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes shows comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 63% standalone homes and 37% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points for families and more affordable compact living.

With around 198 people per approval, West Lakes reflects a developing area projected to add 2,738 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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 has identified a total of 17 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include West Lakes Boulevard Infrastructure Enhancement, Novo West Lakes Mixed Use Development, 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.

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. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. There were 7,786 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 0.2% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 54.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Health care & social assistance employed just 13.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. 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 unemployment rise marginally. State-level data to Sep-25 showed SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest West Lakes' employment could increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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 assessed income in West Lakes at $54,964 and average income at $73,318. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $60,917 (median) and $81,258 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks West Lakes' household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 36th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.9% of residents (4,655 people), similar to the surrounding region at 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, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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. 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, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Lakes was $320, lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, West Lakes' mortgage repayments were slightly higher at $1,863.

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 comprising 2.1% of the total. 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

West Lakes' educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 25.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 23.2%.

A substantial 21.8% of the population actively pursues formal education; this includes 7.8% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education. Educational provision includes West Lakes Shore School and Westport Primary School, collectively serving 953 students as of a recent report (date not specified). These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1038) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (5.9 places per 100 residents vs region's 13.6) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

The analysis shows 99 active public transport stops operating within West Lakes. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 35 individual routes. Together, they provide 2,100 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as 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 cohorts. Approximately 56% (~9,021 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Adelaide's 52.8%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health problems (7.3%). About 63.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Greater Adelaide. West Lakes has a larger senior population, with 32.2% (5,180 people) aged 65 and over, versus 20.0% in Greater Adelaide. Seniors' health outcomes are above average, outperforming the general population's 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' cultural diversity is above average, with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in West Lakes, comprising 56.6%, compared to 51.6% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.8%), Australian (22.7%), and Scottish (6.9%).

Notably, Polish (1.7%) Russian (1.0%) and Croatian (1.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.4%, 0.6%, and 1.1% respectively.

West Lakes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

West Lakes's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and substantially exceeding 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, compared to 6.0% nationally. This group has grown from 9.8% in 2021. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 16.7% to 15.1%, and the 55-64 group 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% (963 people), reaching 1,742 from 778. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 68% of this growth, while population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 65-74.