Mawson Lakes

Population growth drivers in Mawson Lakes are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Mawson Lakes statistical area (Lv2) is around 14,831. This figure reflects a growth of 1,037 people since the 2021 Census, representing a 7.5% increase from the previously reported population of 13,794. The latest estimate of 14,816 residents was derived by AreaSearch following an examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024, with an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this number. This results in a population density ratio of 2,407 persons per square kilometer, placing Mawson Lakes (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area by 3.5% since the 2021 Census, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. 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 and adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for national areas, with Mawson Lakes (SA2) expected to grow by 2,279 persons to reach approximately 17,110 by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 15.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mawson Lakes according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Mawson Lakes has seen approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually, with around 44 homes approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, and 9 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 15.9 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years. Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $310,000. In FY-26, Mawson Lakes has recorded approximately $37.0 million in commercial development approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mawson Lakes has significantly less development activity, being 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction activity comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 67.0% houses. This reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Mawson Lakes has a highly mature market with around 1340 people per dwelling approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mawson Lakes is expected to grow by approximately 2,276 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mawson Lakes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects potentially impacting this region. Notable ones are Mawson Lakes Technology Precinct Expansion, Base Mawson Lakes, Montague Farm Estate, and The Lakeside Project. Below lists these projects in order of likely relevance.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Mawson Lakes places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Mawson Lakes has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%. As of September 2025, 9,136 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation is high at 73.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

Public administration & safety has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, construction employs only 7.2% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the past year, employment increased by 1.5%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts suggest employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years in Mawson Lakes, based on its current employment mix.

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

The suburb of Mawson Lakes had a median taxpayer income of $53,872 and an average of $61,850 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year, which stood at $54,808 median and $66,852 average, based on Greater Adelaide's figures. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,613 (median) and $67,293 (average), factoring in an 8.8% increase since financial year 2023. In the Census 2021 income data for Mawson Lakes, household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that 39.0% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999, with this band also capturing 31.8% of the broader area's population. High housing costs consumed 15.7% of income in Mawson Lakes, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Mawson Lakes displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mawson Lakes' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.9% houses and 33.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mawson Lakes was 17.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,659, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,300. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Mawson Lakes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,659 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were less at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mawson Lakes features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.8% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 6.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

Mawson Lakes shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Mawson Lakes is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 38.2% of residents aged 15 years and older have university qualifications, compared to 17.4% in the SA3 area and 19.8% in the SA4 region. The most common university qualification is a Bachelor degree, held by 23.8% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 11.8%, and graduate diplomas by 2.6%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.3% of residents aged 15 years and older holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 10.5%, while certificates make up 17.8%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 33.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in tertiary education, 9.9% in primary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 60 active transport stops operating within Mawson Lakes. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 33 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,957 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 422 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mawson Lakes's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Mawson Lakes shows excellent health outcomes, with younger age groups having a low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, with around 7,632 people covered (compared to Greater Adelaide's 47.1%).

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.1% and 6.7% respectively. About 77.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 9.7% seniors (1,438 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 16.1%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

Mawson Lakes is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mawson Lakes has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.5% of its population born overseas and 43.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mawson Lakes, comprising 36.6% of its population. The category 'Other' shows an overrepresentation in Mawson Lakes with 4.3%, compared to 2.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 20.4%, Other at 18.1%, and Australian at 17.0%. Notably, Vietnamese (4.3%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 3.1%. Serbian (0.8%) and Polish (1.0%) also show higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.5% and 1.1%.

Mawson Lakes's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Mawson Lakes has a median age of 33 years, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's 39 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.3%, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 75-84 cohort represents only 2.5% of the population. From 2021 to present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 19.3% to 20.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Mawson Lakes' demographics. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 432 people (14%), reaching 3,443 from the current 3,010. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 2% (42 people).