Hackham

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Hackham's estimated population is around 4,987 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 496 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,491. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,979 residents following examination of ABS' June 2025 ERP data release and validation of 217 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 957 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hackham's growth rate of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.8%) and the SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends anticipate an above median population growth for the suburb, with an expected increase of 1,084 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.6% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hackham has around 51 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 256 homes were approved, with a further 28 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 2.9 people move to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

New homes are built at an average cost of $305,000. This financial year has seen $900,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Hackham's residential nature compared to Greater Adelaide. Hackham shows 131.0% higher building activity per person than the city, offering buyers greater choice. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 142 people per approval. Future projections estimate Hackham will add 1,076 residents by 2041, based on current development patterns meeting demand and facilitating population growth.

Future projections show Hackham adding 1,076 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hackham has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified five major projects potentially impacting the area. Key initiatives include Onkaparinga Heights project, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion (commencing 2018), Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project (expected completion 2025), and Noarlunga Residential Development (commencement date unknown).

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

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Employment performance in Hackham has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Hackham has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 5.9% in December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.3% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 2,425 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 62.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 7.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Education & training is under-represented at 5.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 9.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 6.3% and labour force by 5.1%, reducing unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 4.2%, labour force expand by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hackham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Hackham had a median taxpayer income of $47,798 and an average income of $54,252. These figures are below the national averages of $66,852 in Greater Adelaide and $71,425 nationally. As of March 2026, estimates based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $52,659 (median) and $59,769 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates Hackham's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.6% of residents earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually (1,575 people), similar to the broader area where 31.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hackham, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Hackham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Hackham, as per the latest Census, 87.5% of dwellings were houses and 12.6% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hackham stood at 28.0%, with mortgaged properties at 48.0% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Hackham was recorded at $297, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hackham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.9% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Hackham faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has university qualification rates of 11.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (35.0%). Educational participation is high at 26.8%, with 10.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 21 active transport stops operating within Hackham. These stops are served by a mix of buses along six individual routes, collectively providing 283 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 92% with vehicle ownership averaging 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hackham is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Hackham, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,417 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.4 and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 57.1% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Hackham has a higher proportion of seniors, with 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,137 people), compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. While health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings, there are some challenges in this age group.

Hackham ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hackham's population showed low cultural diversity, with 81.0% born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 35.5%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (35.6%), Australian (28.1%), and Scottish (7.6%), all higher than regional averages of 27.8%, 22.8%, and 4.9% respectively. Hungarian, German, and Welsh ethnicities were notably overrepresented at 0.4%, 5.9%, and 0.7% respectively.

Hackham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Hackham's median age is 39, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. Comparing with the Greater Adelaide average, Hackham has an over-representation of the 75-84 cohort at 8.9% and an under-representation of the 45-54 age group at 9.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 13.8% to 15.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 7.7% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 11.1% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Hackham's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 172%, adding 197 residents to reach 312. The 65 to 74 group is expected to grow by 3%, adding 19 residents.