Semaphore

Semaphore has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

By Nov 2025, Semaphore's population is estimated at around 2,818, reflecting an increase of 69 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.5% rise from the previous population count of 2,749. AreaSearch validated this estimate using ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and ten additional new addresses discovered since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,658 persons per square kilometer, placing Semaphore in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Semaphore is expected to increase by 235 persons to reach a population of 3,053 by 2041, reflecting an 11.0% total increase over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Semaphore according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Semaphore experienced around 6 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years up to FY25. In total, this amounts to an estimated 34 homes. So far in FY26, 9 approvals have been recorded.

Over these five years, an average of 4.6 people moved to Semaphore for each dwelling built. This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes constructed at an average expected cost of $419,000. Comparatively, Semaphore has significantly less development activity than Greater Adelaide, being 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Similarly, activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction in Semaphore comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the area's current housing makeup of 65.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, with a need for more diverse and affordable housing options.

Semaphore currently shows around 478 people per approval, indicating a mature market. Future projections estimate Semaphore adding 309 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Semaphore has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in the area as AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact it. Key initiatives previously considered include Centre Street improvements at Largs Bay, Our Port project, Coast Park Linear Park extension from Semaphore Park to West Lakes Shore's first stage, and Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Semaphore maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Semaphore has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, and it experienced an estimated 2.2% employment growth between June 2024 and June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, Semaphore has 1,690 residents in work, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Adelaide's 4.0%, and workforce participation similar at 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety, notably so in the latter sector which is at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 6.7% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Semaphore saw employment increase by 2.2% alongside labour force growth of 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. Greater Adelaide recorded similar trends with 2.1% employment growth and a marginal unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Semaphore. These projections indicate national employment expanding by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Semaphore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Semaphore had a median income among taxpayers of $56,795 with the average level standing at $67,101. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,082 (median) and $75,710 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Semaphore cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (870 people), reflecting patterns seen the region where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Semaphore displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Semaphore's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.4% houses and 34.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Semaphore stood at 35.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Semaphore was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Semaphore's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.0% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households making up 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Semaphore exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Semaphore is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 33.2% have university qualifications, compared to 22.6% in the SA3 area and 25.7% in South Australia overall. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.5% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 22.7%.

A total of 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.7% in primary, 6.5% in tertiary, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education. Dominican School serves Semaphore with an enrollment of 203 students and offers typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1041). It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby.

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

The Semaphore public transport analysis shows that as of April 2023, there are 14 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 10 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 245.

Residents' accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 167 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Semaphore is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Semaphore, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% of Semaphore's total population (~1,508 people) have private health cover, compared to 49.8% in Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 9.0% of residents respectively. About 62.5% of Semaphore's residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. Semaphore has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.8% (614 people), compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges to those seen in the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Semaphore records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Semaphore's population, born in Australia, was approximately 77.0%. Citizenship was around 88.9%, with English spoken exclusively at home by about 91.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for roughly 39.7% of Semaphore's population.

Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 1.2% versus 3.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (21.9%), and Irish (9.1%). Notably, Polish (1.3%) and German (6.0%) were overrepresented, while Dutch (2.0%) showed a higher representation compared to the regional average of 1%.

Semaphore ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Semaphore's median age is 50, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 21.0% of Semaphore's population, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort comprises only 9.4%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.0% to 6.4% of Semaphore's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 17.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, Semaphore is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 61%, reaching 291 people from 180. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 75% of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 25 to 34 age groups.