Lockleys

Population growth drivers in Lockleys are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Lockleys statistical area's population is estimated at around 6,637 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 650 people (10.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,987 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,379 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,093 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Lockleys' 10.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (8.7%) and metropolitan area's growth, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation, with the Lockleys (SA2) expected to grow by 1,154 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 12.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Lockleys when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data shows Lockleys recorded approximately 39 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 197 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated around 1.8 new residents per year. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market for new properties, which are being developed at an average cost of $465,000, indicating a focus on premium developments.

In this financial year, commercial development approvals have reached $17.4 million, reflecting steady investment activity. New development comprises 67% standalone homes and 33% attached dwellings, offering options across various price points.

Lockleys' population density is around 159 people per approval, indicating a developing area. Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimates forecast an increase of 850 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current population growth forecasts.

Lockleys has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Harbour Town Premium Outlets Adelaide Expansion, Findon High School Upgrade, Henley Beach Road Visioning Project, and North South Corridor are key projects, with the following list detailing 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 conditions in Lockleys rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Lockleys has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 3,498 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Finance & insurance is particularly specialized in Lockleys, employing 1.5 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force increased by 4.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.0%, favourable compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Lockleys. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lockleys' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates that Lockleys' median income is $56,765 and average income is $70,904. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Lockleys would be approximately $61,760 (median) and $77,144 (average). Census 2021 data shows that income in Lockleys clusters around the 60th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 30.0% of residents (1,991 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Lockleys is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Lockleys, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 43.2%, with 35.2% of dwellings mortgaged and 21.6% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350. Nationally, Lockleys's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Lockleys has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 69.4% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

The educational profile of Lockleys exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 32.2%, higher than South Australia's average of 25.7% and Greater Adelaide's rate of 28.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (19.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lockleys has 26 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of bus services. There are 23 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,504 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these services is rated as good, with residents typically residing 228 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 214 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Lockleys are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Lockleys' health indicators show lower-than-average results, with common health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~3,651 individuals) have private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health problems (6.6%). Around 70.0% report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Adelaide overall. Lockleys has a senior population of 24.2%, comprising 1,606 individuals aged 65 and above. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Lockleys was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lockleys has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.5% of its population born overseas and 22.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lockleys, accounting for 62.3% of people, compared to None% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups are English (23.1%), Australian (20.5%), and Italian (13.5%).

Notably, Greek (6.9%) is overrepresented in Lockleys compared to the regional average of None%. Similarly, Serbian (0.7%) and Macedonian (0.3%) populations are also higher than the regional averages.

Lockleys hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Lockleys is 44 years, which exceeds Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and is higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Lockleys has a notably higher percentage of people aged 85 and above (5.0%) but a lower percentage of those aged 25 to 34 (11.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 10.5% to 11.2%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Lockleys' population is projected to see significant changes. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to expand by 265 people (50%), growing from 530 to 796. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, the populations aged 35 to 44 and 25 to 34 are expected to decline.