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 November 2025, Lake Haven's population is estimated at around 3,779, reflecting an increase of 250 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.1% increase from the previous population count of 3,529. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,719 based on the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,197 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lake Haven's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

For future projections up to 2041, AreaSearch expects Lake Haven's population to increase by 329 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 4.3% over the 17-year period. This projected growth is just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch.

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

Lake Haven recorded approximately 10 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 53 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 3 approved in FY-26. The population has declined recently, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $205,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, $137,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Lake Haven has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options.

Lake Haven indicates a mature market with around 379 people per approval. Population forecasts estimate Lake Haven will gain 162 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Lake Haven has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may affect this region: 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 details those most relevant.

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Employment drivers in Lake Haven are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Lake Haven's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent sectors being essential services. The unemployment rate in Lake Haven is 6.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, there are 1,400 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Lake Haven is significantly lower at 40.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors for residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance has a higher share of employment at 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.7% employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Over the year ending June 2025, Lake Haven's employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points during the same period. For future insights, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Lake Haven's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Lake Haven's current employment mix.

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

Lake Haven's median income among taxpayers was $41,739 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $50,110 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Sydney of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project Lake Haven's median income to be approximately $47,002 and average income to reach $56,429, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Lake Haven fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 30.2% of individuals in Lake Haven earn between $400 and $799, whereas across regional levels, earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 band at 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

The latest Census evaluated Lake Haven's dwelling structure as 72.0% houses and 28.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Haven was at 37.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (37.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lake Haven was $1,700, below Sydney metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure for Lake Haven was $350, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Lake Haven's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 account for 62.8% of all households, including 17.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 18.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.5%, substantially below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.1%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 7.8% and certificates at 34.3%.

Educational participation is 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. Gorokan High School provides local educational services within Lake Haven, with an enrollment of 961 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 921. Secondary education dominates with one school in the area, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. The area functions as an education hub, with 25.4 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 13.6 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Lake Haven has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a total of 64 different routes, collectively transporting 3,626 passengers weekly. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 144 meters, indicating excellent accessibility to public transport.

On average, there are 518 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 109 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,769 people, compared to 49.3% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.4%) and mental health issues (11.2%), while 51.8% report no medical ailments, lower than the 61.5% in Greater Sydney.

Lake Haven has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.8%, with around 1,126 people, compared to 22.3% in Greater Sydney. The health outcomes among seniors are broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 86.9% citizens, 83.5% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.7%, compared to Greater Sydney's 56.2%. The top three ancestral groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.0%).

However, there were notable differences in certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 5.8% (regional average 4.5%), Maltese at 0.7% (vs 1.0%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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 shows that those aged 75-84 years are particularly prominent, making up 11.2% of the population, while the 35-44 age group is smaller at 9.7%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.6% to 11.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Lake Haven's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 33%, reaching 562 people from the current 423. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.