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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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West Lakes has an estimated 16,012 residents, up from 15,205 at the 2021 Census — a change of 807 people, or 5.3%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years. 287 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 86.0% of that increase. That puts 1,873 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
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of West Lakes is approximately 16,012 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 807 people (5.3%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 15,205 people. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 15,990 alongside 287 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population level translates to a density of 1,872 persons per square kilometer, outperforming the typical density of national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 5.3% growth rate of West Lakes since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the state level (7.5%), showing competitive expansion trends.
This population rise was largely propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 86.0% of the overall gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for individual SA2 regions. For SA2 territories lacking this data, and for any projections past 2032, regional/LGA projections by age category from the SA State Government (released in 2023 utilizing 2021 data) are applied, modified via a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 tiers. Looking ahead at demographic trends, population expansion is projected to exceed the national median, with the locality expected to add 2,611 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP figures, indicating a total growth of 16.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
694 new dwellings have been approved in West Lakes over the past five years, an average of 138 a year. That places the area in the 79th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 9 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 100 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 63% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 164, 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
West Lakes averages approximately 138 dwelling approvals per year, resulting in a total of 694 homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26151 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 1.2 residents moving to the area for every built dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand and supply appear well-balanced, supporting stable market conditions. New residences are built with an average value of $339,000, which is higher than the regional average and points to development focused on quality. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $61.5 million this financial year, showing strong momentum in non-residential development.
West Lakes maintains per-person construction rates comparable to Greater Adelaide, which reinforces market stability in line with regional trends. Recent housing completions consist of 63.0% freestanding homes and 37.0% apartments or townhouses, showing an increasing availability of medium-density choices that provide options across various budgets, from traditional family homes to more affordable compact living. Having approximately 199 people per dwelling approval, West Lakes displays the structural features of a low density area. Demographic projections indicate West Lakes will add 2,588 residents by 2041 (calculated from the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch). Given current construction volumes, the residential supply is expected to satisfy demand, creating positive conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Lakes
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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 12 current infrastructure and development projects inside West Lakes, worth an estimated $724 million. A further 40 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $3.39 billion. 14 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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 developments, and planning schemes play a crucial role in shaping the performance of an area. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects expected to influence the locality. Notable developments include the West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, the West Lakes Public Transport Hub, and the West Lakes Tennis Club Redevelopment, with details provided below for those of greatest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Novo West Lakes Stage 2
Novo West Lakes is a master-planned community situated on the former SA Water wastewater treatment site. Developed by Potentia, the project delivers up to 500 residential properties including townhouses, houses, and land lots, alongside around 3 hectares of public open spaces and a proposed retail precinct on Frederick Road. Earthworks and civil works for Stage 2 (Parkside) are underway, and the overall completion is estimated for mid-2027.
West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release
Renewal SA's West Lakes Shore residential land release is in its final delivery stages, creating around 120 waterfront residential allotments with new public open space, landscaped reserves and upgraded local infrastructure. Civil works and home construction continue across the remaining stages.
Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program
Comprehensive playground renewal program across Charles Sturt Council area. Multi-year initiative upgrading playground equipment, improving accessibility, and enhancing safety standards. Includes community consultation, inclusive design principles, and environmental sustainability features at multiple reserve locations.
West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade
Major upgrade to West Lakes Sports Complex including new playing fields, clubhouse facilities, and spectator amenities.
West Lakes Marina Upgrade
Concept to upgrade lakeside berthing and public access infrastructure around the Aquatic Reserve at West Lakes, including additional small-craft berths, amenity upgrades to the boat launch area used by paddle sports, and foreshore improvements. No authoritative government project page found; enquiries directed to City of Charles Sturt as asset manager for West Lakes recreation facilities.
West Lakes Public Transport Hub
Proposed integrated public transport hub and upgrades for the West Lakes area, intended to consolidate the existing West Lakes Centre Interchange and add park-and-ride capacity. It is being evaluated as part of the West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan (RMP). The SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is progressing planning for the corridor. Currently, there is no committed funding for delivery beyond the planning phase.
West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan and Footpath Upgrade
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport is progressing the West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan to identify staged improvements for safety, traffic operations, pedestrian and cycling access along the corridor. Separate funded footpath upgrade works are scheduled during 2026, while broader road upgrades remain subject to future funding.
Westfield West Lakes Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-use development at Westfield West Lakes on a 36.4-hectare master-planned site, delivering approximately 1300 homes and community facilities. Includes redevelopment and expansion of the shopping centre with new retail spaces, dining precinct, and improved accessibility features. The project supports future mixed-use potential on an under-utilised 20.4-hectare landmark site.
8,107 residents of West Lakes are employed, from a labour force of 8,341. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 60.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 13,812, about 86% 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
West Lakes has a highly skilled labor force with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, and estimated job growth of 7.2% over the last year. In March 2026, 8,107 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate was 1.0% below the 3.8% recorded in Greater Adelaide. However, workforce participation is notably lower, standing at 60.4% compared to 66.6% in Greater Adelaide. According to Census data, a modest 13.4% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 13.9% of workers within the local area, which is lower than the Greater Adelaide level of 17.7%. Because the area is mostly residential, it appears to provide limited local job opportunities, as shown by the comparison of Census working population to resident population. AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the count of employed persons rose by 7.2% and the labor force expanded by 6.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labor force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment decreasing by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional context regarding future demand in West Lakes. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries show varying rates of growth. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment mix of West Lakes suggests local employment will rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in West Lakes is $1,506 a week (about $78,000 a year), with median personal income at $771 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,744 a year against an average of $75,174. 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 level ATO statistics from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, incomes in the West Lakes SA2 are significantly higher than the national average, with a median of $57,744 and an average of $75,174. By comparison, Greater Adelaide has a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $63,617 for the median and $82,819 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in West Lakes rank moderately, falling between the 36th and 42nd percentiles.
Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 category is the largest, containing 28.9% of residents (4,627 people), which is similar to the broader region where this group makes up 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 86.4% of their income for other living expenses, and the area's SEIFA index for income sits in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
West Lakes had 6,372 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 61% detached houses and 5% apartments. 30% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 47% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,867 a month. Rent absorbs 21.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 28.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in West Lakes at the time of the latest Census consisted of 60.5% standalone houses and 39.5% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative options), compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings in metropolitan Adelaide. Home ownership rates in West Lakes were much higher than the Adelaide metropolitan average, standing at 46.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (30.2%) or renting (23.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Adelaide metropolitan average at $1,867, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $320, compared to metropolitan Adelaide averages of $1,562 and $320.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in West Lakes are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are considerably lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
West Lakes counted 6,372 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 6,710 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute the majority of homes at 67.9%, consisting of 24.1% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent households. The remaining 32.1% are non-family households, which consist of lone person households at 30.1% and group houses at 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 residents is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
25.1% of adults in West Lakes hold a university qualification, including 17.2% with a bachelor degree and 5.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 23.2% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 953 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,038 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
Educational attainment in West Lakes is lower than regional averages, with 25.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests opportunities for further educational advancement and skills training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 34.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (23.2%). A significant 21.8% of the local population is enrolled in formal study.
This cohort comprises 7.8% in primary school, 5.5% in high school, and 4.3% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in West Lakes reaches 99 stops on 34 routes, timetabled for about 1,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 150 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
Public transport data shows 99 active stops operating in West Lakes, which are served by buses. These stops accommodate 34 separate routes, delivering a total of 1,855 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 151 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method at 90%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.3 cars per home. A relatively low 13.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.
Service frequency averages 265 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 18 weekly trips for each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.7% of residents in West Lakes report no long-term health condition. 7.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 56.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.9 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 generally positive trends for residents of West Lakes, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and medical conditions showing outcomes that align closely with national averages. The occurrence of typical health issues remains standard across both older and younger demographics, and the rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high at roughly 57% of the population (~9,062 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most prevalent medical issues reported in the area are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 10.6% and 7.3% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 63.7% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide.
Health metrics for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 32.5% of the population (5,199 people), which exceeds the 19.2% average in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes for these senior residents are above average, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
West Lakes is largely Australian-born, at 76.0% of residents, with 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.8%) and Australian (22.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
West Lakes shows higher cultural diversity than average, with 24.0% of the population born outside of Australia and 15.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion in West Lakes, accounting for 56.6% of residents, compared to 42.4% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in West Lakes are English at 28.8% of the population, Australian at 22.7%, and Scottish at 6.9%. There are also notable differences in the representation of specific ethnic groups: Polish residents comprise 1.7% of West Lakes (compared to 1.0% across the region), Russian residents account for 1.0% (compared to 0.3%), and Croatian residents represent 1.2% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of West Lakes is 51, older than 92% of areas nationally. 18.9% 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 in West Lakes is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 75 - 84 (12.9%), while the 25 - 34 age bracket is smaller (9.6%) than in Greater Adelaide. This concentration of 75 - 84 year-olds is well above the national level of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 9.8% to 12.9% of the population, while the 65 to 74 group fell from 16.7% to 14.8% and the 55 to 64 group declined from 14.2% to 12.4%.
By 2041, significant changes in the age structure of West Lakes are projected. The 85+ demographic is expected to grow by 111% (853 people), increasing from 770 to 1,624. This aging trend is prominent, with individuals aged 65+ accounting for 65% of the projected population growth, while the number of children aged 0 to 4 is expected to decrease by 8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for West Lakes
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 | Jul 2026 last month all 14 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 Jul 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 — 287 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (15,205 at the 2021 Census → 16,012 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 (404011096). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.