Happy Valley (SA)

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 November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Happy Valley (SA) is around 11,913. This reflects a growth of 493 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,420. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 11,895 residents following examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 910 persons per square kilometer. Happy Valley's population growth rate of 4.3% since the census is competitive with other SA3 areas, being within 0.6 percentage points of their average growth rate of 4.9%. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, while overseas and interstate migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 964 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 7.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Happy Valley recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Happy Valley averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 114 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3.9 new residents arrived annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $380,000.

This financial year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Happy Valley has significantly less development activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person. The constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in the area comprised detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval was 537 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Happy Valley is projected to add 933 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Happy Valley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are 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.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Happy Valley ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Happy Valley has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9% and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 6,369 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's rate of 61.7%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.6% of Happy Valley's workforce compared to 7.3% in Greater Adelaide. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by a lower count of Census working population versus resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force grew by 2.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Happy Valley. These projections estimate a 6.6% increase in local employment over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific extrapolations from the national forecast of 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Happy Valley. The median income among taxpayers was $53,224 and the average was $61,650. This is lower than national averages. Greater Adelaide had a median of $52,592 and an average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Happy Valley are approximately $60,053 (median) and $69,560 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census figures rank household, family and personal incomes in Happy Valley between the 39th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.3% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader regional trends at 31.8%. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Happy Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Happy Valley, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Happy Valley was higher than Adelaide metro at 37.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (51.4%) or rented (11.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, exceeding the Adelaide metro average of $1,452. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, higher than Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Happy Valley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Happy Valley has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational attainment in Happy Valley aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Happy Valley trail regional benchmarks, with 20.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (28.7%). A substantial 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational provision includes Happy Valley Primary School and Braeview School, collectively serving 693 students as of 2021. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. As of 2021, limited local school capacity (5.8 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 13.6) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Analysis of public transport in Happy Valley shows 97 active transport stops operating within the area, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 35 individual routes, collectively providing 1,640 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 234 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~6,120 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area at 48.6% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3 and 8.9% of residents respectively. 64.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016, 24.6% of residents were 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.

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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 80.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 40.6% of people in Happy Valley. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 0.1% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.0%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (7.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Welsh at 0.8%, German at 6.3%, and Dutch at 1.8%, all higher than regional percentages.

Happy Valley hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Happy Valley has a median age of 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 65-74 years shows strong representation in Happy Valley at 12.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 8.5% of the population in Happy Valley. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 12.4% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Happy Valley's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 133%, increasing from 393 to 916 people. This growth is largely driven by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 79% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.