Mawson Lakes

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mawson Lakes' population is estimated at around 14,909 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,115 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,794 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,906 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,420 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mawson Lakes' 8.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.9%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb of Mawson Lakes expected to increase by 1,947 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Mawson Lakes has seen approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 45 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 15.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

However, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value for new homes is $310,000. In FY-26, $37.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mawson Lakes shows reduced construction, with 83.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 67.0% houses. The location has approximately 1339 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Population forecasts suggest Mawson Lakes will gain 1,944 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mawson Lakes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Mawson Lakes Technology Precinct Expansion, Base Mawson Lakes, Montague Farm Estate, and The Lakeside Project.

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 an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9% as of December 2025, which is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. The area experienced a 1.2% employment growth over the past year based on AreaSearch statistical data aggregation.

There are 9,196 residents in work with a workforce participation rate of 75.5%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 10.8% of residents work from home according to Census responses. Leading industries include health care & social assistance and public administration & safety, with the latter having employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, construction is under-represented with only 7.2% of Mawson Lakes' workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 4.2% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mawson Lakes' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 on Mawson Lakes. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $53,872, with an average of $61,850. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,351 (median) and $68,140 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mawson Lakes are at the 65th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 39.0% of residents (5,814 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 31.8%. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, leaving disposable income at the 62nd percentile. 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' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mawson Lakes stood 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 $1,562. Median weekly rent in Mawson Lakes was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Mawson Lakes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,659 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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+ holding university qualifications, compared to 17.4% in the broader SA3 area and 19.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 17.8%. Educational participation is high, 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

Mawson Lakes has 60 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 33 routes, collectively providing 2957 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 9% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 10.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 422 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Mawson Lakes is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mawson Lakes shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but closer to the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~7,672 people), which is relatively low. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.1 and 6.7% of residents respectively. Notably, 77.7% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,475 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 predominant religion in Mawson Lakes, comprising 36.6% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' makes up 4.3% of Mawson Lakes' population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.4%), Other (18.1%), and Australian (17.0%). These figures differ significantly from regional averages: English is lower than the regional average of 27.8%, Other is substantially higher at 9.7%, and Australian is notably lower at 22.8%. Certain ethnic groups are overrepresented in Mawson Lakes compared to Greater Adelaide, including Vietnamese (4.3% vs 1.2%), Serbian (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Polish (1.0% vs 1.0%).

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

Mawson Lakes' median age of 33 years is significantly younger than Greater Adelaide's 39 and the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation at 21.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 2.7%. This 25-34 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 19.3% to 21.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Mawson Lakes. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase significantly by 374 people (12%), rising from 3,130 to 3,505. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 3%, adding 45 people.