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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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Happy Valley is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
As of 1 November 2025, the estimated population of the Happy Valley (SA) statistical area (Lv2) is around 11,911, reflecting an increase of 491 people from the 2021 Census figure of 11,420. This growth represents a 4.3% increase since the census date. The estimated resident population of 11,879, as calculated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a density ratio of approximately 910 persons per square kilometer. This growth rate positions Happy Valley (SA) within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.2%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.
For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Happy Valley (SA) (SA2) is expected to increase by 964 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 7.8% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Happy Valley recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Happy Valley averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 114 homes. As of FY-26, eight approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $380,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
This financial year has seen $3.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Happy Valley's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Happy Valley has significantly less development activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Happy Valley has been detached dwellings, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is 606 people per dwelling approval.
Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Happy Valley will add 935 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Happy Valley has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Balee Park Upgrade (Happy Valley), Flinders Medical Centre Acute Services Building, Urban Creek Resilience and Recovery Project - Sauerbier and Homestead Creeks, Zero Cost Energy Future - Happy Valley Reservoir Solar Project. The following list details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Happy Valley Solar Farm & Water Treatment Plant Complex
Integrated energy and water treatment complex featuring a 12.8MW solar installation with 33,750 panels using 5B Maverick technology. The site includes the southern hemisphere's largest Xylem-manufactured UV disinfection system, a $26 million upgrade commissioned in late 2021. The complex serves 40% of metropolitan Adelaide's water supply, utilizing renewable energy to reduce operating costs and lower annual emissions by 7,600 tonnes.
Zero Cost Energy Future - Happy Valley Reservoir Solar Project
World's largest fully moveable solar array featuring 33,750 5B Maverick pre-fabricated solar panels with 12.8MW capacity at Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve. Generates 17 gigawatt hours of renewable energy annually to power the water treatment plant serving over 40% of Adelaide's drinking water. Part of SA Water's $300 million Zero Cost Energy Future initiative. The innovative relocatable system uses ballasted design requiring minimal ground penetration, allowing the array to be moved if needed for maintenance or site works.
Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve Access Project
First-time public opening of the 120-year-old Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve featuring 20 kilometres of walking, cycling and mountain biking trails, 110 hectares of water for kayaking and fishing, two kayak launch areas (one with disability access), picnic facilities with BBQs and shelters, car parking, and visitor amenities. The reserve connects to Glenthorne National Park creating over 1,500 hectares of accessible outdoor recreation space. Opened December 11, 2021 after extensive water treatment upgrades to enable safe public access while maintaining drinking water quality for over 40% of metropolitan Adelaide.
Urban Creek Resilience and Recovery Project - Sauerbier and Homestead Creeks
A $1.83 million watercourse rehabilitation project funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. The project aims to improve the health of Sauerbier Creek and Homestead Creek within the upper Field River catchment in Aberfoyle Park. Key activities include upgrading stormwater flows and creek banks with improved drainage structures, installing natural erosion control solutions using logs, rocks and permeable fabric, adding wildlife-friendly litter traps, creating safe spaces and habitat refuges for threatened species including Southern Brown Bandicoots and Cunningham's Skinks, controlling weeds and planting local native species, and enhancing community connections with nature through workshops, signage and conservation activities. The project will restore creek areas, banks and aquatic habitats while improving water quality, waterway connectivity and biodiversity.
Aberfoyle Park High School Redevelopment
A $14 million facility upgrade completed in May 2022 including redevelopment of the performing arts centre with a 250-seat theatre, refurbishing existing buildings to create contemporary learning spaces and collaborative areas, creation of a new entrance and administration building, and enhanced indoor-outdoor learning environments. The project was delivered in three stages to minimize disruption to the school's 1,150 students and features contemporary architecture with natural materials and an earthen green palette inspired by the Australian bush.
Aberfoyle Community Centre Expansion
A $1.61 million expansion of the Aberfoyle Community Centre completed in April 2025. The project added a new flexible open-plan building at the rear of the existing facility, featuring a versatile space for dance and messy activities, a youth pod with lowered ceiling and retractable curtains, and an art studio equipped with pottery kilns, wheels, moveable tables and lockers. The expansion includes acoustic features such as acoustic glass for music activities, vinyl flooring and wall mirrors for dance and fitness, high-level windows for natural light, verandas creating indoor-outdoor connections, and a central outdoor area for informal gatherings. The new spaces enable simultaneous programming with existing multifunctional rooms, supporting arts, crafts, dance, exhibitions, youth programs, family activities, and social gatherings. Funded through a Community Infrastructure Grant from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport with $1.5 million from the State Government of South Australia (secured by Erin Thompson MP, Member for Davenport) and $110,000 from the City of Onkaparinga. Construction began in early 2024 and was completed in February 2025 after 12 months, with the existing centre remaining operational throughout to minimize disruption to users.
Thalassa Park Master Plan
Development of a comprehensive master plan to guide future improvements and development of Thalassa Park. The plan will address playgrounds, walking and cycling trails, event spaces, gardens, accessibility features, and the Storybook Walk sculpture park. The Council design team is working with the Thalassa Park and Gardens Trust to ensure the revised master plan aligns with timeframe and budget planning. Community and stakeholder feedback will be sought once the draft master plan is available.
Green Leaves Early Learning Woodcroft
Completed 98-place early learning centre located at the corner of Pimpala Road and Panalatinga Road. This purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility features custom-designed learning hubs for children aged six weeks to six years, outdoor play areas including bike track and edible gardens, Chef's kitchen for culinary lessons, and family lounge with barista coffee service. The centre received service approval on April 4, 2024 and is now operational. Operated by Green Leaves Early Learning, a privately owned company specializing in boutique early learning centre development throughout Australia.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Happy Valley significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide
Happy Valley has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.
As of September 2025, 6,465 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.3% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction particularly shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.
Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.6% of Happy Valley's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.3% while labour force grew by 3.4%, maintaining the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment rate. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that while overall employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Happy Valley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming current industry distributions remain stable.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Happy Valley had a median income among taxpayers of $53,224 and an average of $61,650. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Happy Valley as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,908 (median) and $67,075 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Happy Valley rank modestly, between the 39th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.3% of locals (4,204 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader regional trend of 31.8% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Happy Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The latest Census evaluation shows that dwelling structures in Happy Valley consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Happy Valley was at 37.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (51.4%) or rented (11.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Happy Valley was $1,517, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,452. The median weekly rent in Happy Valley was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Happy Valley's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Happy Valley has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households constitute 75.0% of all households, including 31.5% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational attainment in Happy Valley aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
In Happy Valley trail region, 20.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.7%. A total of 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.
A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis shows 97 active transport stops operating within Happy Valley. These stops service a mix of buses along 36 individual routes, collectively providing 1,633 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages 233 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Happy Valley is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Happy Valley faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,119 people), compared to 49.1% across Greater Adelaide.
The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3 and 8.9% of residents respectively. A total of 64.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,930 people), which is higher than the 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Happy Valley ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Happy Valley's population showed low cultural diversity, with 80.9% born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 40.6%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide (0.1% vs 0.1%).
Top ancestry groups were English (35.0%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (7.6%). Welsh (0.8%) and German (6.3%) were notably overrepresented, while Dutch (1.8%) had a slightly higher representation compared to regional averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Happy Valley's median age exceeds the national pattern
Happy Valley has a median age of 42, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 12.8% of Happy Valley's population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.3% to 8.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant shifts in Happy Valley's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 133%, reaching 916 people from the current 393. Those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 80% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.