Oaklands Park

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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Oaklands Park had an estimated population of 4698 as of February 2026. This figure represents a growth of 750 individuals (19%) since the 2021 Census count of 3948 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 4343, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2325 persons per square kilometer, surpassing the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oaklands Park's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (7.4%) and the state level, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 94% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Oaklands Park is projected to expand by 1098 persons to the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Oaklands Park among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Oaklands Park recorded around 51 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 257 homes. So far in FY-26, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $291,000.

This year, $3.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Oaklands Park's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Oaklands Park records 76.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating robust developer interest. Building activity consists of 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. With around 65 people per dwelling approval, Oaklands Park exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Oaklands Park is projected to add 680 residents by 2041.

Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Oaklands Park has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely to impact the area: Westfield Marion Expansion, Oaklands Green, Marion Cultural Centre Plaza Upgrade, and River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project - Southern Precinct. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Oaklands Park remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Oaklands Park has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, 2,212 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Oaklands Park lagged at 60.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses indicated that only 10.6% of residents worked from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Manufacturing was under-represented, with only 5.5% of Oaklands Park's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. There were 1.3 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and labour force grew by 3.7%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Oaklands Park. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Oaklands Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Oaklands Park had a median taxpayer income of $46,265 and an average income of $54,917. Nationally, the figures are $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). By September 2025, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, median income is estimated at $50,336 and average income at $59,750. According to the 2021 Census, Oaklands Park incomes fall between the 13th and 19th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band includes 28.6% of residents (1,343 individuals), similar to the regional figure of 31.8%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Oaklands Park, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 43.9% houses and 56.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oaklands Park was at 23.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (50.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Oaklands Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Oaklands Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.3 percent of all households, including 16.6 percent couples with children, 23.9 percent couples without children, and 11.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.7 percent, with lone person households at 39.8 percent and group households comprising 6.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 31.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region rate of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 20.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in tertiary education, 6.5% in primary education, and 4.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 24 active transport stops operating within Oaklands Park. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 64 individual routes, collectively providing 6,960 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 282 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 77%, with 12% using train services.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 994 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 290 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Oaklands Park is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Oaklands Park faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups substantially. Private health cover is low, with approximately 49% of Oaklands Park residents (~2,289 people) having it, compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.6% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 61.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Oaklands Park has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,094 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population, some challenges exist.

Oaklands Park 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

Oaklands Park had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 33.5% of its population born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Oaklands Park, making up 38.3% of its population. Hinduism, however, showed significant overrepresentation at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.3%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (12.2%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Dutch was overrepresented at 2.0% (vs regional 1.2%), German at 4.6% (vs 5.1%), and Spanish at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Oaklands Park's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Oaklands Park has a median age of 38, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Oaklands Park at 20.0%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of young adults is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.5%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 9.5% to 7.7%. By 2041, Oaklands Park's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 188 people (63%), from 300 to 489, while the 65-74 cohort is projected to decrease by 11 residents.