Lake Haven

Lake Haven 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 Feb 2026, Lake Haven's population is estimated at around 3,764. This reflects an increase of 235 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,529. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,642 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,188 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lake Haven's growth of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed, with Lake Haven expected to grow by 363 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 6.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lake Haven, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Lake Haven recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 49 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 7 so far in FY-26. The population has declined recently, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $205,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lake Haven has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. Lake Haven shows a mature, established area with around 600 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Lake Haven will gain 241 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Lake Haven has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Lake Haven Centre Redevelopment, Kanwal-Lake Haven-Gorokan Growth Corridor (Warnervale East / Greater Warnervale), Madison Rise Estate, and Gorokan Waterfront Masterplan & Foreshore Revitalisation. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Lake Haven has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 3.9% over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,436 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.1%, which is 1.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Lake Haven was 49.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A moderate 19.4% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, the area has a high specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, while labour force also grew by 3.9%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Lake Haven. Applying these projections to Lake Haven's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The suburb of Lake Haven had a median income among taxpayers of $41,739 and an average income of $50,110 in financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003 during the same period. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86%, estimated median and average incomes for Lake Haven as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,437 and $54,550 respectively. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Lake Haven fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. In Lake Haven, 30.2% of individuals earn within the $400 - 799 band, compared to regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lake Haven, with only 77.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Lake Haven's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Haven stood at 37.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Lake Haven was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Lake Haven's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.8 percent of all households, including 17.3 percent couples with children, 25.2 percent couples without children, and 18.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.2 percent, with lone person households at 34.1 percent and group households comprising 3.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 9.5%, significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (34.3%). Educational participation is high, with 27.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lake Haven has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 64 different routes that together facilitate 3,798 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 150 meters from the nearest stop. Being predominantly residential, most Lake Haven residents commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 19.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 542 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 122 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lake Haven is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Lake Haven faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Various health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at a low rate of approximately 47% (around 1,762 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.4% of residents) and mental health issues (11.2%), while 51.8% report having no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney.

Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Lake Haven has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.2% (1,136 people), compared to 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with the overall population.

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

Lake Haven's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 83.5% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Lake Haven is Christianity, comprising 59.7%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 49.2%. The top three represented ancestry groups are English (31.8%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.8% in Lake Haven than regionally at 1.3%, while Maltese and Hungarian representations remain similar to the regional averages.

Lake Haven hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Lake Haven has a median age of 49, which is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 years are notably prominent, making up 14.5% of the population, while the 35-44 age group comprises only 10.0%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Lake Haven's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 34%, reaching 573 people from the current figure of 429. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Lake Haven's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.