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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
Sales Activity
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Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Onkaparinga Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
The population of Onkaparinga Hills is estimated at 2,634 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 24 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,610. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,632 following examination of ABS data released in June 2025, and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 105 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 317 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.0% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Onkaparinga Hills according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Onkaparinga Hills averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 31 homes. As of April 2026, 4 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. Each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 resulted in an average of 3 new residents per year.
The average construction value for new homes was $305,000 during this period. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $299,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Onkaparinga Hills shows reduced construction at 52.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, which is also below national average due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Onkaparinga Hills comprised detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes.
The estimated population per dwelling approval was 877 people as of June 2021. By 2041, AreaSearch quarterly estimates project a growth of 315 residents in the area. Construction is expected to maintain a reasonable pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Onkaparinga Hills
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Onkaparinga Hills has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones include Onkaparinga Heights project, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion (commenced 2020), Bains Road Reconstruction (expected completion 2023), and Woodcroft College Campus Expansions (planned for 2024). The following list details those most relevant:.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Noarlunga Hospital Expansion
The $74 million Noarlunga Hospital expansion, part of the Southern Redevelopment Stage 1, was officially completed in November 2025. This project increased the hospital's capacity by over 65 per cent, growing from 92 to 152 beds. Key additions include a new 24-bed General Medicine Ward and a purpose-built 24-bed Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit. The redevelopment also delivered an expanded SA Pharmacy, enhanced kitchen and linen facilities, and additional dedicated car parking. The design features a facade inspired by the local coastline and incorporates sustainable elements and cultural flora relevant to the Kaurna community.
Happy Valley Solar Farm & Water Treatment Plant Complex
Integrated energy and water treatment complex featuring a 12.8MW solar installation with 33,750 panels using 5B Maverick technology. The site includes the southern hemisphere's largest Xylem-manufactured UV disinfection system, a $26 million upgrade commissioned in late 2021. The complex serves 40% of metropolitan Adelaide's water supply, utilizing renewable energy to reduce operating costs and lower annual emissions by 7,600 tonnes.
Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project
A 22-hectare master-planned residential development delivering 626 new homes with a diverse mix of dwelling types including detached homes, townhouses and apartments. The project features a minimum of 28% affordable and social housing (including 80 social housing dwellings), and 12.5% new public open space. Designed by Holmes Dyer, the development targets a 5-Star Green Star Communities rating and emphasizes sustainability, extensive tree canopy coverage, and enhanced connectivity to nearby amenities including Colonnades Shopping Centre, Noarlunga TAFE, Noarlunga Hospital and Noarlunga Railway Station. Civil works by Winslow Constructors are underway with the first sales releases now on market. The community will become home to approximately 1,200 residents over a 7-10 year delivery period.
Majors Road Interchange
$120 million jointly funded project by Australian and South Australian governments creating new grade-separated interchange providing access to Southern Expressway from Majors Road. Features new on/off ramps, widening of Majors Road bridge from two lanes to six lanes with dedicated right turn lanes, signalised intersection improvements, new bike lanes and shared user paths, new underpasses for Patrick Jonker Veloway, upgraded traffic signals, widening of Majors Road from Southern Expressway to Lonsdale Highway/Ocean Boulevard to provide two through lanes in both directions, underground power lines, tree planting for 50% shade coverage, and realignment of the Patrick Jonker Veloway. Expected to support 245 full-time jobs during construction and provide improved access to Glenthorne National Park, Sam Willoughby International BMX Facility and Southern Soccer Facility. Construction by Acciona Construction Australia, completion expected end of 2025.
Woodcroft Primary School Major Upgrades
A $6 million facility upgrade at Woodcroft Primary School featuring a new permanent modular building with eight general learning areas, serviced learning area, breakout spaces, teacher preparation rooms, withdrawal spaces and toilets. The project also includes covered outdoor learning areas, new openings to improve connectivity between buildings, minor refurbishments to two existing buildings, decking to the building's rear side, and landscaping for outdoor learning spaces. Designed by Brown Falconer architects and constructed by Fusco Constructions, the upgrade provides students with world-class modern facilities for contemporary learning.
Green Leaves Early Learning Woodcroft
Completed 98-place early learning centre located at the corner of Pimpala Road and Panalatinga Road. This purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility features custom-designed learning hubs for children aged six weeks to six years, outdoor play areas including bike track and edible gardens, Chef's kitchen for culinary lessons, and family lounge with barista coffee service. The centre received service approval on April 4, 2024 and is now operational. Operated by Green Leaves Early Learning, a privately owned company specializing in boutique early learning centre development throughout Australia.
Onkaparinga Heights
A 235-hectare masterplanned community in Adelaide's southern suburbs delivering approximately 2,000 to 2,300 new homes. The project includes a 67.6-hectare site managed by Renewal SA, partnered with YAS Property & Development to deliver 1,000 homes, alongside adjacent private developments. The community features a minimum of 20% affordable housing, sustainable urban design, and high connectivity via the Southern Expressway. Civil works commenced in late 2025, with first home constructions slated for late 2026.
Flinders Medical Centre Acute Services Building
New $400-500M Acute Services Building delivering 98 additional clinical spaces, 160 new beds, four new operating theatres, a 16-bed intensive care unit, and an expanded emergency department. Part of the major Southern Redevelopment enhancing healthcare services for southern Adelaide with state-of-the-art medical facilities, improving patient flow at South Australia's largest public hospital.
Employment
Onkaparinga Hills ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance
Onkaparinga Hills' workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of December 2025. This rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.
Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. Workforce participation in Onkaparinga Hills is 70.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 10.4% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have a limited presence at 5.1%, compared to 7.3% regionally. There is one worker for every resident, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force grew by 3.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 4.2%, labour force expand by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. 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 Onkaparinga Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that income in Onkaparinga Hills is higher than the national average. The median income is $63,246 and the average income stands at $71,596. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% from July 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $69,678 for median income and $78,877 for average income as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 70th percentile with $2,078 weekly, while personal income sits at the 54th percentile. Distribution data shows that 35.8% of locals (942 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Onkaparinga Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Onkaparinga Hills, as per the latest Census, 99.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 0.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Adelaide metro's dwelling structure, which comprised 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Onkaparinga Hills stood at 39.9%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 55.6% and rented dwellings comprising 4.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, surpassing Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent in Onkaparinga Hills was recorded at $385, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Onkaparinga Hills' median monthly mortgage repayment was lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Onkaparinga Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 87.0% of all households, including 42.1% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.0%, with lone person households at 11.5% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Onkaparinga Hills shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
The area's university qualification rate is 16.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high, with 26.2% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.6%), secondary (8.3%), and tertiary (4.6%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Onkaparinga Hills has four active public transport stops operating within it, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by five individual routes that collectively provide 268 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 441 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Onkaparinga Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Health data shows Onkaparinga Hills residents have positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks. Common health conditions affect both young and old equally.
Private health cover is high at 55% (~1,456 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%. The most common conditions are arthritis (9.7%) and mental health issues (8.3%), with 66.8% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have a higher chronic health condition prevalence. 18.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (495 people). Seniors' health outcomes exceed averages, ranking even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Onkaparinga Hills ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Onkaparinga Hills, as per data from 2016 Census, had low cultural diversity with 80.7% born in Australia and 92.7% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 95.4%. Christianity dominated religiously (40.8%), while Judaism was underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.
Ancestry-wise, English (35.7%) and Australian (30.7%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 27.8% and 22.8% respectively. Scottish ancestry was 6.9%. Notable divergences included Dutch at 2.2% (regional: 1.2%), German at 5.3% (regional: 5.1%), and Lebanese at 0.5% (regional: 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Onkaparinga Hills hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average
Onkaparinga Hills has a median age of 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years is strongly represented at 16.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.1% of the population, and the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 9.1% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 15.7% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Onkaparinga Hills' age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 26%, adding 98 residents to reach 483. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1% (2 people).