Lockleys

Population growth drivers in Lockleys are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Lockleys is around 6,394 people. This figure reflects an increase of 407 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,987 people in the suburb. The latest estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and the resident population of 6,373, based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of 2,017 persons per square kilometer for Lockleys, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the census, at 6.8%, is close to the state's average of 7.1%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 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 used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, Lockleys is expected to grow by 1,164 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 17.2% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Lockleys recorded approximately 41 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling around 205 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been granted. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period was 1.8. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics.

The average construction cost value for new properties was $465,000, indicating an emphasis on quality construction compared to regional levels. In FY-26, $17.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting steady commercial investment activity.

New developments consist of 68% standalone homes and 32% attached dwellings, offering options across various price points from family homes to compact living. Lockleys has around 153 people per approval, indicating a developing area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,103 residents by 2041, aligning with current development levels and maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Lockleys has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Harbour Town Premium Outlets Adelaide Expansion. Other notable projects include Thebarton Technology Hub, Findon High School Upgrade, and Henley Beach Road Visioning Project. Those listed below are particularly 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 key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 1.7%.

Employment grew by 3.4% over the past year. As of June 2025, 3,474 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Finance & insurance employs 1.5 times more residents than the regional average, while accommodation & food services employ just 5.0% of local workers compared to Greater Adelaide's 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment and labour force increased by 3.4%, keeping unemployment stable at 1.7%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lockleys' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Lockleys' postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income at $56,765 and average income at $70,904. This is higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,048 (median) and $80,001 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Lockleys' income distribution clusters around the 60th percentile nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 30.0% of residents (1,918 people). This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 31.8%. 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Lockleys, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had no data available for houses or other dwellings at the time of the Census. Home ownership in Lockleys stood at 43.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented dwellings at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lockleys was $2,000, aligning with Adelaide metro's average. However, the median weekly rent figure for Lockleys was $350, while no data was available for Adelaide metro at that time. Nationally, Lockleys' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, as recorded on 27 June 2019, while 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 comprise 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 account for 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 educational profile is notable regionally. University qualification rates exceed the South Australian average of 25.7% and that of Greater Adelaide (28.9%), at 32.2% for residents aged 15+. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (19.0%). Educational participation is high at 25.3%, with 9.0% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education. The area's schools include St Francis School and Lockleys North Primary School, collectively serving 886 students. Socio-educational conditions are above average (ICSEA: 1085). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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. These are served by buses on 21 different routes. Together, these provide 1,497 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 228 meters. On average, there are 213 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 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 shows below-average health indicators.

Common health conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~3,517 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 6.6% of residents respectively. 70.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,547 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Lockleys was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Lockleys was found to be more culturally diverse 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, making up 62.3% of people there, compared to None% across Greater Adelaide. The top three represented ancestral groups are English (23.1%), Australian (20.5%), and Italian (13.5%).

Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 6.9% in Lockleys, while Serbian and Macedonian ethnicities are at 0.7% and 0.3%, respectively, compared to None% regionally for both groups.

Lockleys hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Lockleys is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also exceeds the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Lockleys has a notably higher percentage of individuals aged 85 and above (5.0%) but fewer people aged 25 to 34 (11.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 10.5% to 11.2%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Lockleys' population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 287 people (56%), from 511 to 799. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to remain unchanged in terms of population numbers.