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

The population of the suburb of Hackham is estimated at around 4,944 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 453 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,491 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,931 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 217 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 948 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.4%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,149 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Hackham recorded approximately 51 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 255 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved in FY-26. On average, 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years.

New homes had an average construction cost of $305,000. This year, there have been $900,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Hackham's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hackham has 135.0% higher building activity per person. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low density and attracting space-seeking buyers at a rate of around 140 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Hackham to add 996 residents.

Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hackham has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Onkaparinga Heights, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion, Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project, and Noarlunga Residential Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Hackham's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 2,295 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.7% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Hackham lagged at 60.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses indicated that only 7.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Hackham had a particular specialization in retail trade, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training was under-represented, with only 5.6% of Hackham's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 9.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force increased by 3.3%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that while national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hackham's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data 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 $54,808 and $66,852 in Greater Adelaide respectively. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,004 (median) and $59,026 (average), based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 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 (1,562 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the broader area at 31.8%. Housing affordability is severe in Hackham, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

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

The latest Census data shows that in Hackham, 87.5% of dwellings are houses, with the remaining 12.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hackham stands at 28.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.0% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hackham is $1,300, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Hackham is $297, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hackham's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 constitute the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. 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's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualified residents 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, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.1%), secondary education (7.3%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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 comprise a mix of buses serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 283 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 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 (~2,396 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.4%) and arthritis (10.2%), with 57.1% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Hackham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.3% (1,151 people), compared to 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 lower cultural diversity, with 81.0% born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 35.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

In ancestry, English (35.6%) and Australian (28.1%) groups were significantly higher than regional averages of 27.8% and 22.8%, respectively. Scottish ancestry constituted 7.6%. Notable divergences included Hungarian at 0.4% (regional: 0.3%), German at 5.9% (regional: 5.1%), and Welsh at 0.7% (regional: 0.6%).

Hackham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Hackham is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years, and somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The percentage of the population aged 75-84 is 9.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 45-54 cohort comprises 9.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.7% to 9.2%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 13.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for Hackham in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 178%, reaching 343 people from 123, while the 65-74 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3%, increasing by 19 people.