Mawson Lakes

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

As of November 2025, Mawson Lakes' estimated population is around 14,825, reflecting a growth of 1,031 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.5% change from the previous population count of 13,794. AreaSearch validated this estimate using resident population figures from ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024, along with additional new addresses found after the Census date. The suburb's population density is approximately 2,406 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mawson Lakes' growth rate of 7.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (3.7%) and the state level, indicating strong population growth in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted after adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Mawson Lakes is expected to grow by 2,277 persons to reach an estimated total population of around 17,102 in the year 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 15.4% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Mawson Lakes has recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 43 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 16.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $310,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, $48.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity compared to Greater Adelaide. Mawson Lakes shows substantially reduced construction, 84.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, with recent construction comprising 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 67.0% houses. The location has approximately 1282 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market with population forecasts indicating Mawson Lakes will gain 2,280 residents through to 2041.

Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mawson Lakes has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to influence this area. Notable projects include Mawson Lakes Technology Precinct Expansion, Base Mawson Lakes, Montague Farm Estate, and The Lakeside Project. The following list details those projects deemed 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.

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

Mawson Lakes has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 9,214 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 73.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety had notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Construction was under-represented, with only 7.2% of Mawson Lakes's workforce compared to 8.7% in Greater Adelaide. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force increased by 1.3%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mawson Lakes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows Mawson Lakes' median income among taxpayers is $53,879, with an average of $61,857. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,792 (median) and $69,793 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mawson Lakes are at the 65th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that 39.0% of residents (5,781 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 31.8%. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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'). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mawson Lakes was at 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 average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Mawson Lakes was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Mawson Lakes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,659 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower 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 comprise 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 make up 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, 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 high with 38.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to the broader SA3 area's 17.4% and the SA4 region's 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (17.8%). Educational participation is high, with 33.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.5% in tertiary, 9.9% in primary, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

Mawson Lakes has three schools with a combined enrollment of 1,462 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1068. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and two secondary institutions. School places per 100 residents (9.9) are below the regional average (13.9), indicating some students may attend schools in neighboring areas.

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

Mawson Lakes has 60 active public transport stops, served by a mix of trains and buses. These stops are covered by 31 individual routes, offering a total of 2,948 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents on average located 213 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 421 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Mawson Lakes, particularly for younger cohorts with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 51% of the total population (~7,630 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 47.1%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (7.1%) and asthma (6.7%), while 77.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments. This compares to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. Mawson Lakes has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,438 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 16.1%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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 main religion in Mawson Lakes, accounting for 36.6% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 4.3% of the population compared to 2.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (20.4%), Other (18.1%), and Australian (17.0%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 4.3% compared to 3.1% regionally, Serbian at 0.8% compared to 0.5%, and Polish at 1.0% compared to 1.1%.

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

Mawson Lakes' median age is 33 years, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's 39 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 20.3% of Mawson Lakes' population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 2.5%. This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present day, 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 that Mawson Lakes' 25-34 age group will increase by 434 people (14%), growing from 3,009 to 3,444. The 5-14 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 3%, adding 44 people.