Oakden

Oakden is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment 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 Oakden's population is estimated at around 5,226 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,643 people (45.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,583 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,210 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,794 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oakden's 45.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.5%) and Greater Adelaide, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% 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 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 analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 960 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.1% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Oakden recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Oakden had around 20 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 104 homes. As of FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents arrived per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25 in Oakden, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand. The average dwelling value is $402,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, $147,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly residential. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Oakden records about 58% of building activity per person and ranks among the 80th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Oakden's suburban identity with family homes suited for buyers seeking space.

With around 138 people per approval, Oakden reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Oakden is projected to add 944 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Oakden has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Oakden Rise, Laing St, Northfield, Walkleys Road Corridor, and Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Oakden faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Oakden has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.8% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 8.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, 2,637 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.0% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Oakden is similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Census responses indicated that only 10.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries among Oakden residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented with only 5.5% of Oakden's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 8.6% while labour force grew by 9.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points, according to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, total employment is projected to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this expansion is forecast at 13.7%. Applying these industry-specific projections to Oakden's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Oakden has a median taxpayer income of $41,140 and an average income of $46,446 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,324 (median) and $51,170 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Oakden, between the 19th and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 32.6% of locals (1,703 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 31.8% are in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses.

Oakden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Oakden, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.2% of dwellings were houses, with 17.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakden stood at 32.3%, similar to Adelaide metro. Mortgaged dwellings comprised 36.4%, while rented dwellings made up 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,501, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562 and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Oakden was $283, substantially below both the Adelaide metro figure of $320 and the national average of $375.

Oakden features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.8% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5 people.

Oakden performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Oakden is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 31.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in South Australia overall. This educational advantage positions Oakden strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Trade and technical skills also feature prominently, with 28.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (17.5%). Educational participation is notably high in Oakden, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.9% in tertiary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Oakden has 15 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 12 different routes offering 935 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents on average 189 meters from the nearest stop. Most Oakden residents commute outward, predominantly by car (83%). Bus use stands at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

Just 10.5% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census. Service frequency across all routes is 133 trips daily, equating to around 62 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Oakden is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Oakden faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are somewhat prevalent across all ages, with slightly higher degrees among older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~2,373 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.7%) and arthritis (9.6%). 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Oakden has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (961 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Oakden 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

Oakden's cultural diversity is notable, with 35.1% of its population born overseas and 33.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Oakden, accounting for 45.7% of the population. However, the most significant deviation from regional averages is seen in the 'Other' religious category, which comprises 2.7% of Oakden's population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Oakden are English (22.3%), Australian (20.9%), and Other (11.1%). Notably, Polish, Hungarian, and Russian ethnicities are overrepresented in Oakden compared to regional averages: Polish at 1.9% vs 1.0%, Hungarian at 0.7% vs 0.3%, and Russian at 0.8% vs 0.3%.

Oakden's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Oakden is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent at 14.2%, while the 15-24 group is smaller at 11.3% compared to Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.0% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Oakden's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 30%, growing from 742 to 968 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows modestly by 8%, adding 20 people.