Semaphore

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of November 2025, Semaphore's estimated population is around 2,841. This reflects a rise from the 2021 Census figure of 2,749 people, an increase of 92 (3.3%). AreaSearch estimates this through resident population data from ERP releases in June 2024 and additional validated addresses since the census date. The Semaphore SA2's density ratio is approximately 2,680 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration primarily drove recent growth, contributing around 69% of overall population gains.

All migration types and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area from 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, it adopts SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, the Semaphore statistical area (Lv2) is projected to increase by approximately 235 persons, reflecting a total rise of 10.1% over 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Semaphore recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval data, Semaphore has seen approximately six dwellings approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 34 homes. In FY26 so far, 15 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 4.6 people move to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, likely leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $419,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this year amount to $894,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Semaphore has significantly lower construction rates (71.0% below the regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent construction consists of 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 65.0% houses. Semaphore has around 358 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established nature. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 286 residents by 2041. If development rates remain constant, supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price increases.

Population forecasts indicate Semaphore will gain 286 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Semaphore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly influence an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Key projects include Centre St at Largs Bay, Our Port, Coast Park Linear Park from Semaphore Park to West Lakes Shore (Stage 1), and Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Semaphore shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Semaphore has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% as of a recent period, with estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,710 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.3 times the regional average. Construction had limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to the regional average of 8.7%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Over a 12-month period ending recently, employment increased by 4.1% alongside labour force growth of 4.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov showed SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Semaphore's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch reports that Semaphore had a median taxpayer income of $56,795 and an average income of $67,101 in financial year 2023. Nationally, the median was $54,808 and the average was $66,852. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, Semaphore's median income is estimated to be $61,793 and the average $73,006. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Semaphore are at the 54th percentile nationally. The most common income bracket in Semaphore is $1,500 - 2,999, with 877 people or 30.9% of locals falling into this category. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other costs. Semaphore'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). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Semaphore was at 35.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Semaphore was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Semaphore's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. 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

In Semaphore, educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 33.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 22.6% in the SA3 area and 25.7% in the state overall. This high level of educational attainment positions Semaphore well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 22.7%. A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 24.3% engaged in formal learning. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Semaphore has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together offer 247 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 167 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, which works out to about 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

Semaphore faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover rate is approximately 54% (~1,520 people), slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 50.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.0% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.0%. However, 62.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.7% (616 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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 stood at 88.9%, with English spoken exclusively at home by 91.5%. Christianity dominated religiously, at 39.7%.

Islam's representation was 1.2%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 3.3%. Ancestry wise, Semaphore had English (30.9%) and Australian (21.9%) as top groups, both exceeding regional averages of 25.0% for English and 18.6% for Australian. Irish ancestry was 9.1%. Polish (1.3%), German (6.0%), and Dutch (2.0%) were notably higher than regional figures of 1.4%, 4.5%, and 1.0% respectively.

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 greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes a strong 21.0% of Semaphore's population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. This concentration in the 55-64 bracket is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.0% to 6.4% of Semaphore's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 17.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, Semaphore is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 59%, reaching 290 people from an original count of 181. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 76% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age groups.