Semaphore Park

Semaphore Park has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Semaphore Park's estimated population is around 4871 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 330 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4541. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4620 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2550 persons per square kilometer, placing Semaphore Park in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Semaphore Park's growth rate of 7.3% since census is within 1.7 percentage points of the state's 9.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in this suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Semaphore Park is expected to grow by 764 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.7% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Semaphore Park has seen approximately 29 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 145 homes. As of FY-26, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $510,000, indicating a focus on the premium market.

This financial year has seen $15.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Semaphore Park has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 67th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a range of options from spacious family homes to more affordable compact dwellings.

Semaphore Park reflects a developing area with around 204 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 619 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, 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 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, West Lakes Marina Upgrade, and West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade, with the following list detailing those most 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.

Employment performance in Semaphore Park has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Semaphore Park's workforce comprises skilled individuals with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of the past year, indicating a growth rate of 3.9%. As of September 2025, the employment figure stood at 2,232 residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is 1.3% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Semaphore Park was recorded at 60.4%, significantly lower than Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 12.3% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, Semaphore Park had a high concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance had limited presence, with only 15.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 17.7%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 3.9%, while the labour force grew by 3.8%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and the labour force grow by 2.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Semaphore Park's median income at $46,765 and average income at $62,382. This is lower than Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,880 (median) and $67,872 (average), based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places Semaphore Park's household, family, and personal incomes between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 25.8% of residents (1,256 individuals) earn $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to the surrounding region at 31.8%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile. Semaphore Park'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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.0% houses and 46.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Semaphore Park was at 30.9%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,786, above the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent was $250, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Semaphore Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 account for 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

Educational qualifications in Semaphore Park trail regional benchmarks, with 22.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (25.4%). Educational participation is 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus routes. These stops are covered by 12 different routes that together facilitate 411 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 155 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents in this predominantly residential area commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 91%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 58 trips per day, translating 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 52% of Semaphore Park residents have private health cover (around 2,516 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.9% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 9.6%). Conversely, 60.7% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age individuals in Semaphore Park face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.1% (1,320 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall 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 population was found to align with the broader area's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 79.2% born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 89.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.0%. Islam was overrepresented, making up 1.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (30.2%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (7.9%). Polish (1.7%) and Russian (0.7%) populations were notably higher than the regional averages of 1.0% and 0.3%, respectively, while Welsh was 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, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years, and also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.3% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.5% to 10.3%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.7% and the 65-74 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Semaphore Park. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 105%, adding 240 residents to reach a total of 469. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 67% of population growth, highlighting trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 35-44 and the 0-4 cohort.