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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Old Noarlunga has an estimated 1,585 residents, up from 1,531 at the 2021 Census — a change of 54 people, or 3.5%. That puts 434 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population in the suburb of Old Noarlunga is estimated to be approximately 1,585, derived from AreaSearch evaluations of regional ABS population updates alongside new addresses validated since the Census. Compared to the 1,531 people recorded at the 2021 Census, this represents a gain of 54 people (3.5%). This change is based on an estimated resident population of 1,553 determined by AreaSearch following the June 2025 ABS ERP release, in addition to 5 validated new addresses identified since the Census date. With a density of 434 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Old Noarlunga offers generous personal space and scope for future expansion.
The 3.5% post-Census increase places the suburb of Old Noarlunga within 2.5 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (6.0%), highlighting solid demographic momentum. Population gains were primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 41.0% of recent growth, while natural growth and interstate migration also registered positive additions. Projections utilized by AreaSearch adopt 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia figures with 2022 as a base year across SA2 areas, supplemented post-2032 or where data is missing by 2023 SA State Government Regional/LGA age-cohort forecasts based on 2021 figures, adjusted through weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 divisions. Looking ahead, demographic forecasts position the suburb of Old Noarlunga above the national median for statistical regions, with aggregated SA2 modeling indicating an expansion of 225 persons by 2041, representing an overall increase of 12.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
49 new dwellings have been approved in Old Noarlunga over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 1.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Evaluations of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicate that Old Noarlunga averages roughly 9 residential properties approved each year, totaling an estimated 49 homes approved across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 5 recorded in FY-25 so far. Underpinned by strong demand that supports property values, the area added an average of 2.9 new residents annually per dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with new homes reflecting an average construction value of $385,000. Residential building volume in Old Noarlunga sits 74.0% below the per-person average for Greater Adelaide and also trails the national standard, reflecting an established urban landscape and possible planning constraints, although construction activity has seen recent gains.
Current approvals are divided evenly between detached dwellings (50.0%) and medium and high-density housing (50.0%), offering attainable price points suited to first-home buyers, downsizers, and investors. This even distribution marks a clear shift from the established stock of 95.0% houses, reflecting changing lifestyles, diminishing land availability, and demand for varied housing types. A ratio of around 310 people per approval highlights the low-density profile of the locality. Demographic projections based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate indicate that Old Noarlunga will add 193 residents through to 2041. Given prevailing development trends, future residential supply is positioned to comfortably satisfy demand, sustaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially enabling growth beyond current expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Old Noarlunga
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Old Noarlunga, worth an estimated $930 million. A further 11 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.75 billion. 3 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, retail and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, planning programs, and major works play a crucial role in local outcomes. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 projects likely to impact the locality, with key initiatives including the Sunset Residential Development, Victor Harbor Road Duplication, Majors Road Interchange, and Seaford Rail Extension, with details provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Majors Road Interchange
The $120 million Majors Road Interchange project, jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, constructed new on and off-ramps for the Southern Expressway at Majors Road. It included widening the Majors Road bridge to six lanes, signalised intersection improvements, and a new 1.8km shared user path. The project improved access to Glenthorne National Park and was officially opened to traffic in October 2025.
Victor Harbor Road Duplication
Duplication of approximately four kilometres of Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road (Old Noarlunga) and Main Road (McLaren Vale) to improve safety, traffic flow and capacity, including a new four-way, two-lane roundabout at Robinson Road and the realignment of Quarry Road. All lanes are now open to traffic and the project is complete as part of the broader Fleurieu Connections program delivered by the Fleurieu Connections Alliance.
Sunset Residential Development
A 42-hectare master-planned residential community featuring 644 allotments with land sizes up to 540m2. The development includes 15% affordable and social housing outcomes, extensive green spaces including a major north-south walking trail connecting to Onkaparinga River Recreation Park. Located in a prime coastal position with proximity to South Australian beaches and McLaren Vale wine region.
Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project
A 22-hectare master-planned residential development delivering more than 626 new homes across two land parcels on either side of Lovelock Drive in Port Noarlunga and Noarlunga Downs. The project features a minimum of 28% affordable and social housing (including 80 social housing dwellings), and 12.5% new public open space with a target of 25% overall tree canopy. Designed by Holmes Dyer, the development targets a 5-Star Green Star Communities rating. Civil works by Winslow Constructors commenced in 2025, with house construction planned to begin in 2026 and first residents expected by end of 2026.Multiple sales releases are underway including the Wirra and Kauwi Releases. The community will become home to approximately 1,200 residents over a 7-10 year delivery period through to 2031.
Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication
Duplication of Main South Road between Sellicks Beach and Victor Harbor, improving safety and reducing travel times to the Fleurieu Peninsula. The project includes new overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades and safety improvements.
Seaford Rail Extension
5.7km extension of dual track rail line from Noarlunga Centre to Seaford District Centre. Includes new railway stations at Seaford Meadows and Seaford with park-and-ride facilities, improving public transport access to southern suburbs.
Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project
Stage 1 of the Main South Road Duplication between Seaford and Aldinga has been completed and is open to traffic. The project duplicated approximately 10 km of Main South Road, improving safety, reducing congestion and supporting tourism and regional growth on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It forms the first stage of the broader Fleurieu Connections program.
Noarlunga Hospital Mental Health Expansion
$74M State Election commitment delivering new 24-bed Mental Health Rehabilitation Service and additional mental health facilities. Expanding critical healthcare services for southern Adelaide communities with specialized treatment capabilities.
836 residents of Old Noarlunga are employed, from a labour force of 875. Unemployment sits at 4.3%, with participation at 66.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,267, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Old Noarlunga maintains a balanced workforce across blue and white collar roles, marked by prominent construction representation, an estimated 4.1% job growth over the past year, and an unemployment rate of 4.3% based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents total 836, with the unemployment rate standing 0.5% above Greater Adelaide's 3.8%, while labour force participation matches Greater Adelaide at 66.4%. Census records showed a modest 8.9% of residents working from home, subject to potential Covid-19 lockdown influences. Resident employment is primarily centered in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.
The construction sector shows substantial local concentration, employing residents at 2.1 times the regional rate. In contrast, education & training is under-represented, comprising only 5.4% of the local workforce compared to 9.3% in Greater Adelaide. Comparisons between the working population count and resident numbers at the Census point to limited employment opportunities within the immediate locality. Over the year to March 2026, AreaSearch analysis of combined ABS and SALM data shows that employment rose by 4.1% and the labour force expanded by 4.0%, reducing the local unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Over the same period, Greater Adelaide recorded a 4.2% increase in employment and 4.0% labour force growth, with unemployment decreasing by 0.2 percentage points. Incorporating Jobs and Skills Australia national employment projections from Mar-26 provides context for future local demand. Across the country, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years; applying these sector-specific rates to Old Noarlunga's industry distribution suggests local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (representing a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes without localized population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Old Noarlunga is $1,485 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $704 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,755 a year against an average of $53,933. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode data for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicates that earnings in the suburb of Old Noarlunga sit below national averages, with a median income of $47,755 and an average income of $53,933, compared to Greater Adelaide benchmarks of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). Accounting for a 10.17% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 stand at roughly $52,612 for the median and $59,418 for the average. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings placed in the 29th to 34th percentiles.
The single largest income group consists of 37.5% of residents (594 residents) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, comparable to 31.8% regionally, with 85.5% of income remaining after housing obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Old Noarlunga had 576 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 5% apartments. 49% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $305 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,395 a month. Rent absorbs 20.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, separate houses made up 94.8% of dwellings in Old Noarlunga, with 5.2% categorised as other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with the Adelaide metro distribution of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Outright home ownership matches Adelaide metro at 32.0%, while mortgaged properties make up 48.5% and rented homes account for 19.5%. Housing expenses are comparatively modest, with the median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,395 and median weekly rent of $305 tracking well beneath the Adelaide metro figures of $1,562 and $320, while also sitting significantly below the Australian averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Old Noarlunga counted 576 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 31% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 72.7%, comprising couples with children (31.1%), couples without children (29.0%), and single parent families (11.7%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 27.3%, consisting of lone person households at 24.4% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size of 2.5 people is identical to the Greater Adelaide average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.1% of adults in Old Noarlunga hold a university qualification, including 9.8% with a bachelor degree and 2.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 36.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 153 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 992 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education qualifications present a local challenge, with 13.1% of residents holding university degrees compared to the Australian benchmark of 30.4%. Within tertiary credentials, bachelor degrees represent 9.8%, postgraduate qualifications make up 2.0%, and graduate diplomas account for 1.3%. By contrast, vocational training is prominent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade or technical credentials, led by certificates (36.1%) and advanced diplomas (9.7%). Participation in formal study is strong, with 27.3% of the resident population currently enrolled in education. This proportion comprises 10.6% attending primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% enrolled in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Old Noarlunga reaches 15 stops on 9 routes, timetabled for about 520 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Old Noarlunga include 15 active bus stops across 9 individual routes, providing a total of 521 weekly passenger trips. Transport connectivity is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 158 meters from their nearest stop. Commuters predominantly travel outward from this residential area, with private vehicles accounting for 92% of journeys and vehicle ownership averaging 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding regional levels. A comparatively low 8.9% of residents worked from home at the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 circumstances. Service frequency across all transit routes averages 74 trips per day, providing approximately 34 weekly departures for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.6% of residents in Old Noarlunga report no long-term health condition. 6.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch findings regarding mortality and chronic conditions highlight significant health challenges in Old Noarlunga across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is notably low at approximately 48% of the total population (~766 people), trailing the 52.7% rate across Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the leading reported medical concerns, each diagnosed in 9.6% of residents, while 64.6% reported no long-term medical conditions compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Chronic health conditions are elevated among working-age individuals. Residents aged 65 and over represent 19.6% of the population (310 people), facing health outcomes that broadly match national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Old Noarlunga is largely Australian-born, at 80.2% of residents, with 3.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.5%) and Australian (30.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Old Noarlunga tracks below average, with 80.2% of the population born in Australia, 89.4% holding citizenship, and 96.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious faith, representing 32.7% of the community. Judaism records no presence in the local population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide. In terms of parental lineage, the leading ancestries in Old Noarlunga are English at 35.5% (substantially above the regional average of 27.8%), Australian at 30.0% (higher than the regional benchmark of 22.8%), and Scottish at 8.8%. Other represented backgrounds include German at 5.5% (vs 5.1% regionally), Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.2%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Old Noarlunga is 41. 25.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions in Old Noarlunga closely mirror Greater Adelaide, with the greatest variance across the four broad cohorts measuring 3.1 percentage points. The estimated median age is 41, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 2 years above the Greater Adelaide median of 39 recorded at that Census. Since then, the retiree and elderly segment (65+) has risen from 17.9% to an estimated 19.6% of the population. The greatest addition through to 2041 is forecast within the 45 - 64 age category, expanding by 78 residents (19%) to 489.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Old Noarlunga
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,531 at the 2021 Census → 1,585 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41071). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.