Semaphore Park

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Semaphore Park is around 4,391, reflecting a decrease of 150 people since the 2021 Census. This decline represents a 3.3% reduction from the previous population count of 4,541. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2025 ABS ERP release, totaling 4,385 persons. The population density in Semaphore Park stands at 2,299 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration has been the primary driver of recent population growth, contributing approximately 54.0% of overall gains.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For other years and areas not covered by this data, adjustments are made using weighted aggregation methods based on SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, which use 2021 data. Considering these projections, Semaphore Park is expected to grow by approximately 464 persons to reach a total of around 4,855 by the year 2041, reflecting an increase of about 10.4% over this 16-year period.

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

Semaphore Park saw approximately 29 new homes approved annually between FY-17 and FY-21, totalling around 146 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 22 approvals recorded. On average, about 0.9 new residents per year were associated with each new home over the past five financial years. This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these properties was $510,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, there have been around $15.3 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Semaphore Park has approximately three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 69th percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises 64% detached houses and 36% medium and high-density housing, with an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. Semaphore Park reflects a low density area, with around 197 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Semaphore Park will gain approximately 458 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Semaphore Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects potentially impacting the area. Key initiatives include West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, West Lakes Marina Upgrade, and West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade. Details on these projects follow.

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

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Semaphore Park has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Semaphore Park has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of December 2025, 2,032 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 58.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 12.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance had limited presence at 15.1% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment fell by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 4.2%, labour force grew by 3.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Semaphore Park's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Semaphore Park is below the national average. The median income is $46,765 and the average income stands at $62,382. 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% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,521 (median) and $68,726 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Semaphore Park all fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 25.8% of the population (1,132 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Semaphore Park, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Semaphore Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Semaphore Park's residential structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 54.0% houses and 46.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metropolitan area had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Semaphore Park stood at 30.9%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (30.2%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,786, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Semaphore Park was recorded at $250, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Semaphore Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 60.9% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Semaphore Park shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Semaphore Park's residents aged 15+ have 22.1% university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 25.4%. Educational participation is high, with 25.0% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.2%), secondary (6.0%), tertiary (4.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 6.0% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Semaphore Park has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 411 weekly passenger trips. The park's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 155 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Semaphore Park residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in the park, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.3% of Semaphore Park residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 58 trips per day, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Semaphore Park faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 52% (~2,268 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 60.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 67.9%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Semaphore Park has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (25.8%, or 1,132 people) compared to Greater Adelaide (19.2%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Semaphore Park 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 Park's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region's average, with 79.2% of its population born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 89.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 46.0% of Semaphore Park's population. Islam, however, is overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 3.0% in Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.2%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (7.9%). Notably, Polish (1.7%) and Russian (0.7%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 1.0% and 0.3%, respectively, while Welsh is also slightly overrepresented at 0.8%.

Semaphore Park hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Semaphore Park's median age is 46 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.0% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 11.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 75-84 has grown from 7.5% to 10.0%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 65-74 has declined from 13.8% to 11.8%, and the percentage of those aged 55-64 has dropped from 13.4% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Semaphore Park, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort, which is expected to grow by 96%, adding 168 residents to reach a total of 344. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 66% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. However, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 0-4 years old.