Onkaparinga Hills

An assessment of population growth drivers in Onkaparinga Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Onkaparinga Hills as of Nov 2025 is around 2,672. This reflects an increase of 62 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,610. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,649 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 106 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Onkaparinga Hills has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb analysed by AreaSearch, with the area expected to increase by 474 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.4% in total over the 17 years.

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 has averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 30 homes. As of FY-26 to date, 2 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 9.4 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $305,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $16,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Onkaparinga Hills shows substantially reduced construction, with 53.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The estimated population density of 789 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Onkaparinga Hills is projected to grow by 573 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth. New construction has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Onkaparinga Hills has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Onkaparinga Heights project, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion (commenced June 2018), Bains Road Reconstruction (scheduled completion Dec 2020), and Woodcroft College Campus Expansions (expected finish Mar 2021). The following list details projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Onkaparinga Hills demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Onkaparinga Hills has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, comprising only 5.1% of the workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. As of June 2025, there were 1,558 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, 1.1% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 66.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. In the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force grew by 2.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Onkaparinga Hills' employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Onkaparinga Hills' median income among taxpayers was $63,301 and average income stood at $71,668 in financial year 2022. This compares to Greater Adelaide's figures of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on a 12.83% increase since FY2022, current estimates for Onkaparinga Hills are approximately $71,423 (median) and $80,863 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 70th percentile ($2,078 weekly), while personal income sits at the 54th percentile. In Onkaparinga Hills, 35.8% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. 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 nationally.

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

Onkaparinga Hills' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 99.4% houses and 0.6% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 89.2% houses and 10.7% others. Home ownership in Onkaparinga Hills was 39.9%, with mortgages at 55.6% and rentals at 4.5%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,625, higher than Adelaide's $1,452 but lower than Australia's $1,863. Median weekly rents in Onkaparinga Hills were $385, compared to Adelaide's $314 and Australia's $375.

Onkaparinga Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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.

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%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows four active stops operating within Onkaparinga Hills, offering bus services. These stops are served by five routes, collectively facilitating 268 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 441 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Onkaparinga Hills is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Onkaparinga Hills faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,477 people), compared to 48.6% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.7 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of 17th June 2021, the area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (478 people), which is lower than the 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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, surveyed in August 2021, had a below-average cultural diversity level. It reported that 80.7% of its population were born in Australia, with 92.7% being citizens and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 40.8% of people in Onkaparinga Hills.

Notably, Judaism had no representation (0.0%) compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (30.7%), and Scottish (6.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch at 2.2% in Onkaparinga Hills versus 1.7% regionally, German at 5.3% versus 5.4%, and Lebanese at 0.5% versus 0.2%.

Onkaparinga Hills hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Onkaparinga Hills was recorded at 44 years during the census, which is notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also exceeds Australia's median age of 38 years. The cohort aged between 55-64 years is over-represented locally at 15.7%, compared to the overall average in Greater Adelaide, while those aged 25-34 years are under-represented at 11.1%. Between the censuses of 2021 and the previous one, the population percentage for the 25 to 34 age group increased from 9.1% to 11.1%, while the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 5.4% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 year-olds decreased from 17.0% to 15.7% and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Population projections for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Onkaparinga Hills, with the 45 to 54 age cohort expected to expand by 115 people (29%) from 395 to 511 individuals.