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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Colonel Light Gardens has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Colonel Light Gardens is around 3,297, a decrease of 14 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,311. This decrease was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,290 residents, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. The population density is calculated as 2,127 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for this suburb. Population projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 using 2021 data for areas not covered.
Future population growth is anticipated to be at the lower quartile national level, with an expected increase of 47 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 1.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Colonel Light Gardens is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Colonel Light Gardens has received approximately 2 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Around 12 homes were approved between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, with an additional 1 approval in FY-26 to date.
The population has declined recently, but development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, benefiting buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $412,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Colonel Light Gardens shows significantly reduced construction, with 79.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although building activity has increased recently. The area's construction rate is also below the national average, reflecting its maturity and potential planning constraints.
All new construction in Colonel Light Gardens since FY-21 has been detached houses, preserving the area's traditional suburban character and appealing to families seeking space. As of now, there are approximately 1113 people per dwelling approval in the location. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Colonel Light Gardens is projected to grow by 40 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Colonel Light Gardens
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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.
Infrastructure
Colonel Light Gardens has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally
Five projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Springbank Road Pedestrian Actuated Crossing, SA Health's Building a Bigger Health System in the South (including Daw Park Urgent Care Hub and other upgrades), Believe Housing Australia's Panorama Apartments, and the New Hospital and Allied Centre at Repat Health Precinct.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Tram Grade Separation Projects
A major infrastructure initiative to remove three high-traffic level crossings on the Glenelg tram line by constructing new elevated tram overpasses at Marion Road, Cross Road, and Morphett Road. The project also included the complete reconstruction of the South Road tram overpass. While tram services resumed on 26 January 2026, ongoing construction continues through mid-2026 for intersection upgrades at Anzac Highway, building shared-use paths for the Mike Turtur Bikeway, and final landscaping.
Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access
State-led program work to increase public transport capacity and access to, through and within central Adelaide. Current work is focused on the City Access Strategy (20-year movement plan for the CBD and North Adelaide) and the State Transport Strategy program, which together will shape options such as bus priority, interchange upgrades, tram and rail enhancements, and better first/last mile access.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project
The River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project delivers the final 10.5 km section of Adelaide's North South Corridor, creating a 78 km non-stop motorway. The project combines southern and northern twin three-lane tunnels with lowered and surface motorways. Major works are underway at the Southern Precinct at Tonsley, which serves as the purpose-built launch site for the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for the Southern Tunnels. Tunnelling is expected to start in the second half of 2026, and the project is planned for completion by 2031.
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.
Springbank Road Pedestrian Actuated Crossing
Installation of a Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (PAC) on Springbank Road to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and access. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments.
SA Health - Building a Bigger Health System in the South (Daw Park Urgent Care Hub & other upgrades)
A comprehensive program to expand and upgrade health services across Southern Adelaide, adding 228 additional hospital beds at Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Hospital, and the Repat Health Precinct. Key components include: an SA Health Urgent Care Hub in Daw Park (formerly Complex and RestorativE (CARE) service), an expanded Transitional Care Unit at Flinders Medical Centre, a new medical imaging suite, redevelopment of the Margaret Tobin Centre (including a new 12-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit), and a 26-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit at the Repat Health Precinct. The program aims to provide better health services closer to home and reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Employment
The exceptional employment performance in Colonel Light Gardens places it among Australia's strongest labour markets
Colonel Light Gardens has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the past year. As of December 2025, 1944 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.
Workforce participation is high at 74.5%. Moderately, 15.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has a higher share than the regional average.
Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 5.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited due to the area's residential nature. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 3.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced higher growth rates. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Colonel Light Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Colonel Light Gardens' median income is $65,159 and average income is $84,115. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $71,786 and average income $92,669, based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census ranks Colonel Light Gardens' incomes highly nationally, between the 82nd and 90th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate 30.2% of locals (995 people) earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 31.8%. Notably, 41.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Colonel Light Gardens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Colonel Light Gardens, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Colonel Light Gardens was at 41.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (46.5%) or rented (11.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,173, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $320 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Colonel Light Gardens' mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Colonel Light Gardens features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 82.2% of all households, including 45.8% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 16.3% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational achievement in Colonel Light Gardens places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community
In Colonel Light Gardens, residents aged 15 years and above exhibit notable educational attainment. Specifically, 41.7% possess university qualifications, which exceeds both the state average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's average of 28.1%. This high proportion of residents with university qualifications positions Colonel Light Gardens favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%).
Vocational credentials are also prominent among residents aged 15 years and above, with 27.0% holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas held by 11.4% of residents and certificates held by 15.6%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (6.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Colonel Light Gardens has 22 active public transport stops offering bus services. These stops are served by 22 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,788 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, followed by bus at 6% and cycling at 3%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 15.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Colonel Light Gardens's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions
Colonel Light Gardens shows excellent health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, especially among younger residents.
Private health cover is high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,984 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most common conditions are asthma (7.4%) and arthritis (7.0%). 72.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Only 15.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (520 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Colonel Light Gardens ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Colonel Light Gardens, when assessed for cultural diversity, showed a majority population with Australian birth (85.5%), citizenship (95.2%), and English as the sole home language (91.7%). Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.3% of residents. Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.
The top three parental ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.2% versus the regional average of 1.0%, German at 6.0% compared to 5.1%, and Hungarian at 0.4% against 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Colonel Light Gardens's median age exceeds the national pattern
Colonel Light Gardens has a median age of 42, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly exceeds the national average of 38. The age group of 45-54 years old makes up 15.9% of the population in Colonel Light Gardens, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 year old cohort is less prevalent at 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.8% to 5.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 17.5% to 15.9%. Demographic projections indicate that by 2041, Colonel Light Gardens' age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 21%, adding 35 people and reaching a total of 200 from the current 164. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 52% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.