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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Oakden is around 4,130. This reflects a growth of 547 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,583. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,753 in June 2024 and an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,208 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Oakden's growth rate of 15.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide's rates, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Oakden is forecasted to increase its population by 1,069 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 20.0% over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Oakden among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Oakden has seen around 21 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 105 homes. In FY-26 so far, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average value of $402,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, $147,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly reflecting residential development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Oakden records around 66% of building activity per person and places among the 79th percentile nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently.

New building activity comprises 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Oakden's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 143 people per approval, Oakden reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, Oakden is expected to grow by 826 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing population may intensify buyer competition.

Oakden has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Oakden Rise, Laing St, Northfield, Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals (including Valley View area works), and Walkleys Road Corridor. The following details 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.

Employment performance in Oakden exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Oakden has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025. This rate is lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%. As of September 2025, 1,890 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Adelaide's figure. Workforce participation in Oakden was 61.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses showed that 10.5% of residents worked from home.

The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Oakden specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented at 5.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 lower than 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 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Oakden would be approximately $44,760 (median) and $50,533 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Oakden rank modestly, between the 19th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 32.6% of the population (1,346 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region's 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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, dwelling structures comprised 82.2% houses and 17.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakden was at 32.3%, similar to Adelaide metro, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (36.4%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Oakden was $1,501, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $283, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Oakden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

In Oakden, residents aged 15 and above have a notable educational advantage with 31.4% holding university qualifications, compared to the broader SA4 region's 19.8% and South Australia's 25.7%. The area's educational attainment is highest in bachelor degrees at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.2% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (17.5%). Educational participation is high, 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 12 different routes, offering a total of 935 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 189 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most commuters travel outwards from Oakden, with cars being the primary mode at 83%. Bus usage stands at 12%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.5% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 133 trips is made daily, translating to about 62 weekly trips per individual 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 chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (1,875 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.7% and 9.6% of residents respectively. However, 66.1% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Oakden has 20.6% of its population aged 65 and over (850 people), higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, ranking 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, 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. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 2.7% of Oakden's population, higher than the 1.8% average across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Oakden are English (22.3%), Australian (20.9%), and Other (11.1%). While English ancestry is lower than the regional average of 27.8%, Polish ancestry is notably higher at 1.9% compared to the region's 1.0%. Hungarian ancestry also stands out at 0.7%, surpassing the regional average of 0.3%, and Russian ancestry is present at 0.8%, exceeding the regional average of 0.3%.

Oakden's median age exceeds the national pattern

Oakden has a median age of 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Notably, the 45-54 age group comprises 14.5% of Oakden's population compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 10.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.0% of Oakden's population, but the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Oakden's age profile. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 32%, adding 192 people and reaching a total of 791 from the current figure of 598. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth of 7%, with an increase of just 14 residents.